At the Sierra College Weld Expo ’13, held during National Welding Month and sponsored by the student chapter of the American Welding Society, the new mobile welding lab was unveiled. The mobile lab was supported by the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies and Career Technical Education Perkins funding. The lab will be used for employee training, offering classes at other campuses and introducing high school students to welding careers. 
This is the only community college Mobile Training Center for welding in Northern California and one of a handful in the United States, explained Bill Wenzel, Welding Department Chair. “With the new technology in the mobile lab, students’ speed of travel, amperage and voltage will be tracked and graphed as they weld, giving them detailed feedback to improve their technique,” said Wenzel. “Combining computers with welding technology will give Sierra College students an advantage in securing the skills needed for employment.”
The mobile training center will also visit high schools explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, CACT Director. “Sierra College works in partnership with high school welding teachers,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “This lab will bring new equipment and tools into the hands of high school students. It will make them aware of Sierra College’s certificate and degree programs as well as career opportunities in welding, fabrication and advanced manufacturing.”
The mobile training center can also benefit employers explained Scott Berry, Welding Program Specialist. “The Sierra College Mobile Welding Training Center has the potential of providing specialized industry training using cutting edge technology to our local companies,” said Berry.
























