with needed technical skills to fill good-paying jobs in the energy sector and emerging industries across Appalachia . Currently , there is a national shortage of welders . According to the American Welding Society , the U . S . welder shortage will reach a deficit of 400,000 workers by 2024 .
“ The need for welders with advanced technical skills is critical to operate and service tomorrow ’ s highly efficient power plants and support the region ’ s growing automotive , aerospace and aviation industries ,” says NETL Director Brian Anderson . “ NETL is proud to partner with the Appalachian Regional Commission ( ARC ) to support an initiative that will not only create needed employment opportunities but will also establish a reliable pipeline of welders critical to the U . S . economy .”
In March , NETL and ARC selected five schools to lead advanced welding education and training programs , including the Robert C . Byrd Institute in Huntington . Funding for the initiative totals $ 1 million , with the U . S . Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy High Performance Materials Program providing $ 750,000 .
The five schools selected will implement specialized curricula and learning modules in welding , robotics , process control and advanced manufacturing techniques , and businesses and industries will provide information about specific workforce needs and build relationships with the schools that will result in apprenticeships and job placements .
Solar Panels Installed to Power Link Automotive Facility
A big change is taking place at Link Automotive — an auto shop in Charleston , WV — in terms of green energy and the environment . Solar panels have been installed at its facility and will help power a large portion of its needs . This will save huge amounts of energy in the long run as the business continues to operate normally . Link Automotive is proud to have continuously stepped out of the box and be innovative .
Link Automotive hopes its solar power initiative will both help the environment and reduce costs .
“ We are dedicated to continuously bettering our business and reducing our environmental footprint here at Link ,” says a representative with the company . •
When your smile has to be perfect , you need Simpson Dental .
Simpson Dental has created functional , beautiful smiles for more than 70 years .
Including implant supported teeth in as little as one day and a complete line of facial esthetics .
We treat your total smile at Simpson Dental .
( 304 ) 342-6162 www . wvsmiles . com
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SPRING 2021 81