— from Glenn Hendrick for Economic Development Council —

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) is partnering with Skagit Valley College (SVC) to offer free training in Construction Welding basics at SVC’s Mount Vernon campus this May.  This latest class in the EDC’s Trades Education Initiative is sponsored by the Washington State Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and Skagit Valley College.

Classes offered as part of Trades Education Initiative are intended for young people and career-changers looking for a path into the trades. Construction Welding will be taught by Skagit Valley instructors and will cover shielded metal arc welding with an emphasis on safety, as well as what to expect from a career path in this trade.  This course is 33 hours long and counts for 2 college credits.  The course is intended to benefit participating students as well as local employers.  This class is free to residents of San Juan County, but space is limited and requires pre-registration as well as a filing fee of $10.

Construction Welding will run on Saturdays for six weeks from May 11 to June 15t of 2019.  Transportation to and from Skagit Valley College will be provided.  There is no cost for the training, however pre-registration and a $10 filing fee are required.  The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 24t

To apply, please visit the EDC’s website at www.sanjuansedc.org/trades.  For more information call the EDC office at 360-378-2906 or email the EDC Trades Coordinator at glenn@sanjuansedc.org.

This program is sponsored by the Washington State Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and the Washington State Department of Commerce, and Skagit Valley College.  The EDC’s Trades Education Initiative is additionally supported by San Juan County, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island School District, Heritage Bank, and Islanders Bank.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.