Metallica Scholars Graduate
Grand Rapids Community College was one of just 10 community colleges in the nation to earn the $100,000 grant from the rock group Metallica, a Rock Band.
The legendary metal band's All Within My Hands Foundation teamed up with the American Association of Community Colleges on the project, aimed at providing workforce training for community college students and reinvesting in cities where the band has toured.
GRCC used the $100,000 grant to launch an intensive welding program targeted toward non - traditional students that takes less time to complete than traditional courses. It also features smaller class sizes with flexible scheduling options and career preparation assistance.
GRCC is partnering with local employers so students can participate in site visits, employee panels and mentoring to help them determine if welding is a good fit for their career goals.
Each student will participate in individualized career - preparation with GRCC to ensure they are job ready upon completion of their welding license.
Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation in 2017 to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. The foundation previously supported efforts to fight hunger and provide emergency community aid, and is expanding its mission to include support for career and technical education.
Edwin Ponce Juarez went to work in a distribution center warehouse after graduating from high school, but knew there were opportunities for better - paying jobs in the professional trades.
He became a Metallica Scholar, gaining in - demand skills in Grand Rapids Community College's welding program. "I needed a new direction," he said. "This program was perfect for me. I really enjoy learning with my hands. The best part of this program is that it's fun!
I love TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding and by learning so many different types of welding, I know exactly the type of work I want in the future. " Juarez graduated from the Job Training Welding program debt free, thanks, in part, to funds from the Metallica Scholars program.
The first 14 students in the program graduated on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Leslie M. Tassell M - TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave SW in Grand Rapids.
Kiara Contreras is among the students who received a Metallica Scholars scholarship.
Kiara spent a year and a half on a traditional college path, but wanted something different. Both Kiara's Dad and Uncle are welders and hearing about all the things she could make peaked her interest.
"The hands - on environment is what really works for me," she said. "I love that we are learning so many different types of welding and the small class size too. I like being a woman in welding. It surprises people, I think but I love it!"
Tim Cowart is a Grand Rapids native who heard about the welding program through an ex - teacher of his wife Regina, but he had also seen an on - line promotion for the welding class.
"I had no experience at all with welding, but I wanted to upgrade my status and to be able to afford things. One of those things is buying a house," said Cowart. "With prices going up, my pay rate right now will not allow me to be able to afford to buy a house. So I needed to change my lifestyle by getting a skill."
He has test welded where he is currently employed and is waiting for a transfer him to the welding department.
"I would recommend the welding program at GRCC to anyone who is ready switch careers, upgrade their life and to get a better paying job that may lead to better opportunities to get greater pay because some people are making upwards of $50 an hour being a welder," said Tim. "If you don't have a skill, try welding."
After completing the welding course, job assistance is also offered to those who complete the course.
"It is all in the program package. After completing the class, there are a few days that they reserve to help students write a resume or upgrade resumes," said Cowart. "They also set up interviews for students with companies who are looking to hire welders. So you begin the program knowing that there are actually people waiting for you to finish the program who are looking to hire welders."
He added, "For people who may think that they are too old for a career change, I want to let them know that you are never to old. When you need to better finance yourself or your family, the only way that you can do that is by improving your skills."
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