Sarah Jones
Reporter
The welding department at the Joplin Crowder Advanced Training and Technology Center adds another instructor, Kent Pruitt, due to high demand for skilled welders.
“There is a great need for welders,” Pruitt said. The growing demand for skilled welders combined with the high pay, stability of employment, and the diversity of welders and career paths make the profession a lucrative one to study.
Pruitt’s own welding career began 30 years ago when he lost his job and had to find a way to support himself and his family. He turned to welding because he enjoyed working with his hands and knew the profession would support his family.
“The higher the quality is, the harder the welding is, the more money you make, said Pruitt. Students have a variety of job opportunities from manufacturing jobs that allow them to stay close to home with a lower hourly pay to field construction jobs that require travel but can earn up to $1,800 to $3,500 a week. Pruitt said the only limit to young welders is how far they want to pursue the career.
“Welding is the great equalizer,” said Pruitt. He encourages everyone to consider welding because welders are a diverse group of people who are usually judged by their skill not their sex, race, or circumstance. This diversity includes the welders themselves, the skills those welders collect and the career opportunities available in the welding profession.
“My instructor has said that you never want to limit yourself to one facet of the industry,” said Tanner Headley, welding student. “So, I am going to try to make myself as valuable as possible so I can become a great asset to any work environment.” Headley said he chose Crowder because of the equipment the school had purchased, the high hiring rate and because it was his best option for a local trade school.
Although many of the welding students at the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center have some welding experience, prior experience is not a prerequisite to learning, according to Pruitt. Most students complete the course in two semesters although some can go on to earn their associates degree with a three-semester program. Pell grants can be used to pay for welding training.
The Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center has partnered with the Joplin Chamber Foundation to provide a learning option for students and skilled workers for the community, according to Melissa Smith director of the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center.
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