WDC Accelerated Welding

Overview

This 12-week accelerated training program is a full-time commitment designed to help support the need for welders in the submarine shipbuilding supply chain.

Submarine shipbuilding programs are vital to U.S. defense and national strategy. The submarine shipbuilding prime contractors and their suppliers perform a critical range of unique functions that require specific, well-developed skills in their workforce. The anticipated demand for submarine production and the current shape and demographics of the workforce indicates a shortage of workers with appropriate skills. Some of the country’s most significant Defense resources are based in New England, as are many supply chain companies and support the defense economy.

Throughout New England, as of 2022, there are currently 406,523 jobs supported in the defense sector, a total of $40.3B in income in this sector and an annual economic output of $119.1B – all in the New England area. Welding is a key skill needed as part of this pipeline of work.

Training includes:

• Welding safety protocols
• Welding fundamentals, covering the four major welding processes
• MIG / TIG welding
• Blueprint reading
• Math

Program Outcomes

Though there are many Welding training programs available in New England, the Manchester Community College (MCC) Workforce 12-week Accelerated Welding Program is designed to provide short-term training with long-term benefits to those participating. 

At the conclusion of the program, students will be introduced to employers in the submarine shipbuilding supply chain across New England. Also, upon successful completion, this 12-week program may provide transfer credit for the time earned into MCC’s 2-year Associate Degree in welding.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, students must be:

• 18 years old
• US Citizen, Green Card holder, and/or US Asylum seeker
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required

Please note: To gain employment in this field, employers may have additional requirements, as defense work is regulated by the Department of Defense.

Class Format

This program consists of 402+ hours of instruction, including 288 of those hours being hands-on lab experience.

• 38 hours, in-person fundamentals
• 38 hours, in-person Mig/Tig
• 38 hours, in-person Blueprint Reading
• 288 hours, in-person Practical Lab
• Up to 24 hours, in-person Math Skills

Hourly Commitment

Program Cost

Tuition, Books, Supplies & PPE: $16,000*

*Currently this program is being fully funded through support from the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (“SENEDIA”), who is leading an initiative to strengthen the workforce of the submarine supply chain. 

This program is WIOA and SNAP E&T eligible.

Schedule

WDC Accelerated Welding Program, 12-Week Schedule

Course Number: 35393

Class Location: MCC

Class Dates: May 20, 2024 to August 14, 2024

Orientation Meeting: Monday, May 20 2024, 8–10am at MCC

Partners

MCC is proud to partner with the following organizations and employers:

SENEDIA
2 Corporate Place
Middletown, RI 02842

Granite State Manufacturing
124 Joliette Street
Manchester, NH 03102