SCC’s Newport branch launches welding and fabrication program

The Newport branch of Spokane Community College will offer a welding and fabrication certificate beginning in January, with room for 20 students in each graduating class.

An SCC news release said the one-year program will take place in the welding and fabrication lab at Newport High School and will be taught by one of the high school’s instructors.

All courses in the program will be taught in the evening to accommodate students who work or have family obligations during the day. Students will benefit from a $49,152 rural business development grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will help cover the costs of child care, gas, tools, safety equipment and other needs separate from tuition.

The grant also will pay for a special assistant called a “navigator” who will help students complete the program and find employment.

“Pend Oreille County was selected for this project because interest and need is strong from the local businesses, community members and local government,” Jaclyn Jacot, the interim dean of SCC’s extended learning division, said in the news release. “It has also been many years since SCC has been able to offer training for a hands-on technical trade in Pend Oreille County, and the time seems right.”

The release said the program “is likely to be very popular” and advised applicants for the winter quarter to call (509) 447-3835 as soon as possible.