CLEVELAND — Ninety-four students from across Northeast Ohio packed into the Lincoln Electric Company for an open house. The idea: invite them in so they can see what learning a trade like welding can offer them.
“We’ll help train them or get them the education needed,” said the business manager of education, Jason Scales. “The pay rage can run anywhere from $9 an hour to $50 an hour.”
According to Lincoln Electric, an estimated 30,000 welder jobs are in demand.
“The pay is sounding great, it’s good, it was a good starting rate, it’s in Cleveland,” said student Anthony Casto. “You don’t need to go to college to be here.”
Casto will graduate high school in May. He said he has already been accepted to a college but believes learning a trade will earn him money quicker.
“I was actually an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard,” said welding school student, Josh Mattula.
Mattula is completing his second week of welding school at Lincoln Electric.
“I’ve been through college. College is great; education is a wonderful thing. I have two degrees; one in sociology, my master’s in communications and leadership. I think the best experience is your experiencing everything.”
Scales said a 20-week welding program is considerably less expensive than attending college. Tuition for the period is $10,000. Lincoln Electric will host a career fair April 30 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
RELATED: More students turning to trade industry for career choices and to save money.
