A trade school in New Hope celebrated its opening this week with the goal of preparing students for a job that’s in high demand.

A trade school in New Hope celebrated its opening this week with the goal of preparing students for a job that’s in high demand.

Lynnes Welding Training is now open at 4000 Winnetka Ave. in New Hope. They hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The school offers 12 to 16-week courses that prepare students to enter the workforce as a welder. They focus on small class sizes, offering industry certifications and skills-specific courses along with longer programs.

“Demand for welders right now is really high,” said Wesley Berg, director of operations for Lynnes Welding Training. “I think the average age of a welder is about 57 years old right now, so there’s a lot of predicted attrition, turnover going to be happening with a lot of welders exiting the workforce.”

Dale Szabla, an instructor at the school, said they aim to prepare students for the realities of the career.

“We work them pretty hard, it’s an eight-hour day,” he said. “We spend maybe 45 minutes in the classroom learning some theory — weld symbols, blueprint reading, things like that. And then the rest of the time is spent out here in the shop.”

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The school has two other locations in Fargo and Bismark, North Dakota.

SOURCE: CCX MEDIA