This award provides funding to Gaston College, a community college, to enhance its welding program to better meet the needs of industry. Local industry projects hiring more than 118 qualified welders over the next three years. The average annual wage for welders in Gaston County is $50,900. The existing welding lab, which is at capacity, has equipment that limits techniques that can be taught. More advanced machinery and equipment will allow the college to provide skills training that better aligns with the current and future needs of local industry. The college will continue to graduate 50 welding students annually but with stronger skill sets. Golden LEAF funds will be used for a crane and welding machines.
