Northeast Iowa Community College to Lead New Welding Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. CRESCO — Northeast Iowa Community College will launch a new welding quality pre-apprenticeship program at Crestwood High School, creating a pathway for students to earn college credit, gain industry experience and prepare for careers in welding and manufacturing. The NICC-led program is the college's first Quality Pre-Apprenticeship initiative and will integrate welding training into the high school curriculum through concurrent enrollment courses. "Quality pre-apprenticeships are becoming increasingly important because employers across industries are facing critical workforce shortages and need stronger pathways to connect individuals to high-demand careers," said Erin Powers Daley, NICC executive director of workforce and programming initiatives. The program is designed to prepare students for registered apprenticeships, employment opportunities and continued education in welding. NICC will oversee the curriculum and work with local employers to provide hands-on learning experiences. Students enrolled in the program will receive support from a college and career coach, including assistance with resume writing, interview preparation and career planning. Coursework will include blueprint reading, welding fundamentals, basic gas metal arc welding and flame/plasma cutting fundamentals. Students also will receive hands-on training in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding and oxy-fuel cutting. Participants who complete the program will earn college credit and certification from NICC. Those credits may be applied toward employment, a registered apprenticeship or NICC welding diploma and degree programs. Crestwood High School Principal Neal Bentley said the program was developed through a partnership among Crestwood, NICC and Featherlite Trailers. "As a community, the more we lean on each other, the stronger our outcomes will be," Bentley said. "Both NICC and Featherlite have been terrific partners throughout the planning stages." Featherlite Trailers will provide students with industry exposure, including job-shadowing opportunities. "The Welding Quality Pre-Apprenticeship demonstrates what is possible when education and workforce partners come together with a shared purpose," said Shannon Westin, director of human resources at Featherlite Trailers. For more information, contact Powers Daley at powersdaleye@nicc.edu or 563-562-3263, ext. 1147 Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community..