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Company solves welder shortage by guaranteeing jobs

Staff //December 8, 2021//

Company solves welder shortage by guaranteeing jobs

Staff //December 8, 2021//

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W International President Jim Logan speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the company's new training center in Berkeley County. (Photo/provided)W International, a metal fabricator in Goose Creek, has launched a new training program that will address its workforce needs and guarantee welding jobs at the company for graduates.

W International unveiled the Training Center of Excellence program and its on-site facility Nov. 30 with special ceremony at the company’s plant at 2040 Bushy Park Road.

The eight-week program kicked off Oct. 18 with 47 students enrolled. More than 200 individuals are already on the waitlist, Berkeley County SC Economic Development said in a news release.

Through the program, students will receive hands-on training in fitting, forklift, lifting and handling operations and welding on site, through W International’s accredited NavSea welding training program. In particular, the program targets individuals who are either unemployed and/or underemployed, with no prior welding experience.

W International employees and executives gather for a ribbon cutting at the company's new training center. (Photo/Provided)

“At W International we know our greatest strengths come from the people that make up our team,” Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Fowler said in a statement. “W International is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are able to grow, learn and accomplish better together.”

The program spans eight weeks and includes 240 hours of training. Following completion, students are guaranteed employment and benefits with W International.

In addition to training new employees, the center also will be a resource for W International’s current employees to enhance their skills and create more opportunities for advancement.

W International said the company also is committed to supporting other related initiatives for their workforce pipeline, including the Berkeley County School District adult training classes at Timberland and Cross high schools.

Contact W International by email for more information about the Training Center of Excellence.

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