A recent article in The New York Times described the anticipated increase in the number of welding jobs in the United States over the next couple of years, and the key role that community colleges are playing in training for this well-paid skill.

Quoting nationwide statistics for expected demand for welders, the story focuses on Texas where, as described,

The insistent hunger for welders in the Gulf Coast region has created an unusually close partnership between the energy industry and local community colleges to train people for disappearing skills.

Community colleges have received grant assistance from businesses seeking workers, and curriculum advice from human resource agencies, according to the article. As described, courses can be scheduled around 12-hour shifts of construction workers, some beginning at 4 am or running from 10 pm – 2 am.

For more information, read the full story from The New York Times here.