Newsroom

Raritan Valley Community College is currently offering a welding course as part of free manufacturing education and workforce training programs funded by the New Jersey Manufacturing Skills Initiative.

As part of the initiative, anyone who enrolls in the designated manufacturing education and training programs receives free tuition up to $5,000. The education and training must be completed by June 30, 2025. Many successful candidates will have employment opportunities with participating manufacturing companies.

The NJ Manufacturing Skills Initiative, funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, provides $2,000,000 for education and workforce training of 250 participants at New Jersey’s Community Colleges. Of those educated and trained, 125 of them will be hired by participating manufacturing employer partners. The New Jersey Manufacturing Skills Initiative was created to establish a comprehensively structured approach to manufacturing workforce development that responds to the complexities of New Jersey’s manufacturers. At the same time, it provides education, training, and career opportunities that benefit all New Jersey residents.

RVCC’s AWS MIG Welding course, which runs until July 3, is designed to equip participants with in-depth training in welding techniques, aligning with the standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS). Additionally, it introduces the fundamentals of additive manufacturing, covering essential concepts and basics of 3D modeling. The goal is to prepare individuals for AWS certification exams, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the welding industry and navigate the realm of 3D printing through hands-on experience.

Students who successfully complete the program will earn an American Welding Society certificate, which will open doors to manufacturing jobs with competitive pay, complete with benefits. In addition, participants will acquire skills to do piecework, potentially adding more to their annual salary. The course is also appropriate for non-professionals interested in learning more about welding and its artistic possibilities.

“Raritan Valley Community College is committed to training the next generation of workers to meet the ongoing and future needs of the workforce. With many welding professionals currently nearing retirement age, the need for manufacturing training is critical, as skilled welders are in high demand by many industries,” said RVCC President Dr. Michael J. McDonough.

The Manufacturing Skills Initiative “helps to ensure the skills needed by manufacturers are met with the top-notch education and training available at New Jersey’s Community Colleges. We are grateful that funds have been prioritized by the State to strengthen New Jersey’s manufacturing workforce and our economy,” added Catherine Starghill, Vice President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC).

This initiative operates through the strategic partnership between New Jersey’s Community Colleges, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), and New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), as well as other education and workforce development partners that connect to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Industry Partnerships.

For information about the New Jersey Manufacturing Skills Initiative, visit www.njmanufacturingskills.com.

To learn more about RVCC’s welding program, contact Angelo Amante at amorito.amante@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200, ext. 8975. For additional information about career training at RVCC visit https://www.raritanval.edu/career-training.

About the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC)

Governed by the presidents and trustees of the state’s 18 community colleges and enshrined in state law, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) supports New Jersey’s community colleges and the more than 230,000 students they serve annually across 49 locations by fostering collaboration and developing solutions that expand access to college, promote equity and student success, and create a skilled workforce to drive economic growth.

NJCCC brings together the state’s community colleges to build a world-class, flexible higher education and workforce development system that can respond to the needs of local communities and employers while having statewide reach and impact. NJCCC promotes innovation and policy changes to help New Jersey’s community colleges in their efforts to achieve academic, social, and economic mobility for all residents. The Council's New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development builds statewide industry, education, and labor partnerships that align education and training with the needs of a changing economy.  

About RVCC

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to  a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 29, 2024

PR #74