On Friday November 3rd, 2017 Banker Steel hosted their first graduation for individuals enrolled in the Virginia Technical Institute Welding certification program. The ceremony took place at Virginia Technical Institute with keynote speakers from Banker Steel, VTI, and the Region 2000 Workforce Development Board present to highlighting class achievements.
This program was the first of its kind for our region. Participants trained for seven weeks at the VTI facility to become welders/fitters. At the end of the seven-week program graduates they joined the Banker Steel team and begin their path to a viable and stable career in welding.
The training program was developed as a pilot customized training program to train individuals with an interest and aptitude for welding and reading structural steel blue prints, who may have previously lacked the work experience. The program also allowed Banker Steel to grow the applicant pool and fill open positions - ultimately building a pipeline of talent for their company.
“We are so excited about the opportunity if affords the candidate as well as Banker Steel. The welding trade is alive and well, so for the candidate who is technically minded, likes to work with their hands and wants a great financial opening, this training program affords a golden opportunity to learn the welder/fitter trade with minimal cost to the individual”, states Linda Whitmore, HR Director for Banker Steel.
Banker Steel, along with many manufacturing companies, are faced with open positions within their company but a shortage of applicants to fill those positions. Overall, our region has experienced a shortage of job seekers in the trades industry, specifically in welding and fabrication. Steven Jones with Banker Steel noted, “We could hire 20 welders today if they were available”.
A career in welding can provide individuals with a stable and profitable career path. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a projected job growth of 5% in the next 10 years in Virginia, with 290 annual projected job openings in Virginia. If you are interested in a career in welding, Banker Steel will be offering another training opportunity in January 2018. Apply to Banker Steel to get started, www.bankersteel.com/careers select “apply for training”.
Customized training programs are available to all businesses in the Region 2000 area that have a need to develop skills among their workforce. The customized training program allows businesses to expand their present markets, reduce employee turnover, and enhance the company’s ability to compete in a global economy. The Region 2000 Workforce Development board may be able to provide assistance and funding to help businesses train new or existing workers to gain the skills needed to meet business demands. To learn more about the customized training program contact Savannah Cook, sgcook@region2000.org.
