This award provides funding to Piedmont Community College Foundation to expand the welding program at Piedmont Community College (PCC) by relocating the program to PCC’s South Campus. The current welding programs are operating at full capacity, and relocation will allow the college to increase the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials. The program will serve adult learners, dislocated workers, and high school students, expanding access to career pathways that lead to livable wages. The project’s first phase will increase welding capacity from 16 to 28 booths. PCC anticipates increasing the number of students earning an academic credential from 42 to 75 annually. Ninety students are expected to obtain industry-recognized third-party credentials each year. Golden LEAF funds will be used for equipment.
