WORKFORCE
PROGRAM
Melding Metal
A Look into a Staple Program of PHSC Workforce Development Offerings
A
low constant hum of machinery drones throughout the shop mixing with the clang of steel and puffs of compressed air . The sounds echo off the sleek grey concrete flooring , becoming lost in the hot dense air as they try to escape . A sharp pop pierces the fog of clamor emitting a buzz of bright light bringing to life the flickering shadows cast upon the walls . A new creation melded together .
For students of the Pasco-Hernando State College Welding Program this is their classroom .
A broad spectrum of students attend this program for varying reasons . Some are seeking a career change ; others are just learning to master a new skill , and several are dual enrollment students looking to get a head start in joining the workforce upon completion of high school . One thing that they all share , however , is a passion for knowledge and an opportunity to learn in an exceptional environment .
“ A friend told me about the class , and I wasn ’ t sure what I wanted to do after high school , so I figured why not give it a try ,” said Hunter Smith , a dual-enrollment senior at Zephyrhills High School .
Smith and his classmate at Zephyrhills High School who told him about the program , Mason Cornelius , have been in the program together for over a year .
The program provides students with more than just a piece of paper and a hope to enter the workforce with a high earning potential and low incurred debt . It promotes mentorship and real hands-on experience .
“ I like to run the shop in the same way that they are going to be experiencing when they get out on a real job-site ,” said Scott Flannery , Instructor and Coordinator of PHSC Welding Programs .
The curriculum meets all the general requirements of the American Welding Society and covers Oxyacetylene Cutting , Shield Metal Arc Welding , Gas Metal Arc Welding , Flux Core Arc Welding , Tungsten Inert Gas Welding , and pipe welding principles and practices . Featuring an online component for theory and concept learning , the program is mostly self-paced with progression-based learning and a focus on technical application and demonstration . However , it ’ s the extra attentiveness and care of the instructors that really set it apart .
Scott Flannery Instructor and Coordinator of Pasco-Hernando State College welding programs inspects students work and demonstrates the foundational principles of welding during class Sept . 19 at the PHSC welding shop located in Dade City , Fla .
“ I like how much freedom there is in the course , having responsibility and independence with an instructor who is always available for help is invaluable ,” said Cornelius .
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