DETROIT—Southeast Michigan has more demand for skilled-trades labor, such as CNC machinists and welders, than almost anywhere else in the country. There are about 21,000 openings for these workers annually, and in light of COVID-19, many unemployed community members and students are exploring skilled trades.
Detroit-based LIFT recently presented 10 students starting their career-path in advanced manufacturing with a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) certificate and three of those students with an additional Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) certificate after they successfully completed the summer session of LIFT’s skilled trades courses.
Registration has been extended for LIFT’s fall Welding Technician Program and CNC Operation Program, which begin Monday, Oct. 5. No experience is required and tuition assistance is available.
Without any further training, each of the 10 individuals have the opportunity to begin an entry-level position. Some of the students are still in school and may continue their education, hone their skills and earn additional credentials.
“These students should be proud of themselves for taking on this challenge, particularly during the pandemic, to take the first steps towards their advanced manufacturing careers,” said Kevin Kerrigan, vice president, business development, LIFT.
- LIFT’s Welding Technician program prepares students to become entry-level welders in either Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG). Utilizing curriculum aligned to the American Welding Society SENSE Level I standards, this course covers the required knowledge, attitude, skills, and habits required to perform routine, predictable, repetitive, and procedural welding tasks. Topics include: Safety, Occupational Orientation, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), four Thermal Cutting Processes, and Welding Inspection and Testing.
- LIFT’s CNC Operations Training Program prepares students to operate CNC mills and lathes. Utilizing curriculum aligned to NIMS Machining standards, this course covers: Machine maintenance, safety, print reading, measurements, inspection, cutting tool assembly, geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and hands-on project-based learning done in the Learning Lab.
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is the Detroit-based, public-private partnership between the Department of Defense, industry and academia, committed to the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, and implementing talent development initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit www.lift.technology to learn more.
