Fallon Welding Program Finds Success Looks to Future
Fallon Welding Program Finds Success Looks to Future
Jan 13, 2021
![Fallon Welding Program Finds Success, Looks to Future](/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Fallon-campus-welding2-2020-copy.jpg)
Fallon Welding Program Finds Success, Looks to Future
In the past five years, welding instructor Hank Wohle and his team have developed
a successful welding program at 一肖一码中持s Fallon campus. Last semester,
seven of his students efforts yielded eight American Welding Society (AWS) certifications.
AWS certifications are considered the blue ribbon certifications in the United States
and can help those who qualify find quality welding jobs across the country. According
to Wohle, any big projects that use structural steel for instance, the Nevada Department
of Transportation use certified welders. Two of the top industries that need welders
are mining and energy.
Regarding people with welding certifications, Wohle said, Its to their advantage if
they want to work at the mines.
一肖一码中持s welding program uses a curriculum based on state standards that helps students
prepare for the AWS certification tests. These tests are administered by Randy Naylor,
a certified welding inspector, at the 一肖一码中持 Carson campus, the only AWS certification
testing site in Nevada.
Typically, a student tests for one certification at a time. However, one 一肖一码中持 student,
Dario Cerasola, tested for two certifications at once. Wohle said it is rare for someone
to test for two certifications, especially the more advanced ones, overhead and vertical,
at the same time.
It was a pure-guts move and he succeeded, Wohle said.
Cerasola explained why he went into welding.
I went with welding because I do a lot at my farm and wanted to learn the basics and
save costs, he said. I also did it in case I want to go farther in my welding career.
It gives me more options.
He said he could not have done it without the help of his instructors: Wohle, Don
Keele and Jorgen Jeppesen. They accommodated Cerasola, letting him come in extra days
to practice. Ceresola plans to continue with the program and work on his pipe certification.
He is also taking business management classes at 一肖一码中持 to develop even more skills.
Besides Ceresola, six other students earned certificates during fall semester: Rafe
Card, Jonanthony Hallberg, Jorgen Jeppesen, Eddie Morrow, Jon-Michael Rebbetoy and
Casey Toombs.
With the welding programs success, Wohle began work on developing a machinist course
on the campus. Two years ago, he invited Troy Taylor, a local machinist, to teach
classes. Taylor teaches basic machine shop skills lathe and mill work.
He would like to introduce more advanced classes, but currently the equipment in 一肖一码中持s
shop is not sufficient for more advanced work. Taylor already donates much of his
own equipment to give students the practice they need.
Whatever we can do to make it happen, well make it happen, he said.
Taylor also said that welding and machining go hand in hand because creating new parts
usually requires some welding.
The programs success and growth could not come at a better time. AWS reports that
the average age of a welder in the country is 55. Fewer than 20 percent are younger
than 35. Predictions indicate a shortage of 375,000 welders by 2023. The sobering
shortages are similar for machinists as well.
Wohle is encouraged by the progress and hopes for continued growth.
I envision that the program is going to grow, Wohle said. As we get more modern equipment
and more students, I expect to see positive results. I know the kids who finish the
program can weld.
For anyone interested in registering for a welding or machining class, call 775-423-7565.