Opportunity Dubuque program offers paths to specialization in advanced manufacturing
Monday, March 4, 2019
As students progress through their high school years, many are already planning for their future careers, whether those goals include employment in business, healthcare, technology or computer science fields.
Brock Nemmers knew early on that a career in advanced manufacturing, and an overview of its different industries, would provide the career guidance he needed. “I completed the Certified Production Technician certificate as a high school junior. I knew I wanted to be in manufacturing, and my dad – a welder himself – always encouraged me to give it a try,” said the 2016 Western Dubuque High School graduate. “The training and work involved is much more hands-on.”
The production technician certificate covered OSHA safety, and included classes in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Welding, to introduce students to areas where they might want to specialize.
After high school, Brock found employment at Crawford Company in Dubuque working in sheet metal fabrication and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). He learned about Northeast Iowa Community College’s Welding – Career Pathway Certificate training program, offered at no cost to qualifying students through Opportunity Dubuque, and enrolled in December 2017. By the time he earned the certificate, Raun Precision Welding in Farley had hired Brock as a part-time welder.
“I really like the actual welding we did in the Career Pathway Certificate program. I need to learn how to read a blueprint, of course, but the focus on welding the rest of the time was the best,” he explained.
The Opportunity Dubuque program that supported his training helped him specialize and fine-tune his skill set, he said. “Opportunity Dubuque funding helped me so much because I wasn’t making much money at the time, and the College found a way to pay for my training. I’m grateful for it,” Brock said.
A lifelong career as a production welder didn’t offer the variety he needed, however, and he continued his training and education. Last fall, he enrolled in the two-year Industrial Maintenance – Associate in Applied Science degree program at the College’s Peosta campus.
“I think this program is great, and there is still welding work in maintenance. Variety in a job is key for me, and in this career every day is something different. The electrical parts of the Industrial Maintenance program are what I enjoy the most; knowing how electricity works, the theory and the (National Electrical) code,” he expressed.
The 160-hour Welding (GMAW) Career Pathway Certificate program teaches students the principles of interpreting manufacturing-part blueprints, use of basic measuring tools and identification of welding symbols. Students also learn Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes, principles, benefits and the development of safe working habits and familiarity with welding-related equipment. This program is designed to upskill welding ability to successfully pass the American Welding Society's GMAW test, which is an industry-recognized assessment.
More information about the program is available at www.nicc.edu/collegeprograms/programs/weldinggmaw/.