SPRINGFIELD – Clark State Community College now offers welding and diesel technology classes at its location at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Classes for Fall B Term are currently open for registration.
“Students can earn stackable certificates that stack into the associate degree offered at the main campus in Springfield,” said Aimee Belanger-Haas, dean of business and applied sciences for Clark State. “Students can complete the welding certificate in a half semester and in one for year for diesel.”
Belanger-Haas said there is a need in the area for qualified welders and diesel technicians. The programs are offered in the evenings and class sizes are small with one-on-one instruction.
The Clark State Diesel Technology program is a comprehensive sequence of courses that combines theory and practical applications. Students learn the theory, design, operation, diagnosis, repair and service of diesel engines, power train and chassis, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and fuel injection systems. They develop communication and mathematical skills. The program includes 300 hours of on-the-job training in a co-op work experience.
Diesel engines are more powerful and durable than gas engines, making them a popular alternative in the trucking, busing, agriculture and construction industries. Diesel technicians perform complete engine overhauls, minor preventative maintenance services and more.
In the nine-week welding course, students gain a basic technical understanding of ARC, MIG and TIG welding fundamentals, welding safety and equipment operation; get hands-on welding experience in a modern ARC complete lab setting to develop the manual skills needed to make high quality welds, utilizing the processes on various metals.
“Students will be prepared for great paying jobs that are available and plentiful,” said Belanger-Haas. “We will always need welders and diesel mechanics.”
