Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama recently announced a unique welding course designed specifically for women. The fifteen-week course will train female students with the skills they need to enter this male-dominated occupation.
Students can also take advantage of a scholarship program sponsored by the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. The scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition for a dozen selected participants plus any tools and materials needed for the course. A transportation stipend will also be provided.
Christine McLaine, career success coach at Jefferson State Community College, said the program will prepare students for more than just the day-to-day aspects of the welding profession: “Resume writing, cover letters, interviewing skills, mock interviews. We’re going to bring employers in for them to network with.”
Welding is a lucrative profession, especially considering that it doesn’t require a college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for welders in the United States to be just under $50,000 per year.
Eligibility requirements for the program include a high school diploma and low-income status.
Jefferson State Community College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Niche has ranked it among the top 20 community colleges in the state of Alabama.
Source: Community College Announces Welding Course Specifically for Women
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