On June 20, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello joined State University of New York (SUNY) Vice Chancellor Dr. F. Shadi Shahedipour-Sandvik, SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson, University Center for Academic and Workforce Development Associate Provost and Director Lisa Jackson and Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) Dean/Executive Director Dr. Roosevelt Mareus to cut the ribbon on REOC’s new mobile welding lab. The mobile welding lab offers training programs to all eligible residents as well as at-risk youth and individuals on parole with a goal of removing barriers to employment. The equipment was purchased with $1.3 million of Monroe County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The lab is housed in a large trailer with eight stations, providing students with the skills needed for entry-level work as welders. The 18-week hands-on training program introduces students to various components and equipment used in the welding trade through three new courses: Basic Shielded Metal Arc; Advanced Shielded Metal Arc; and Gas Metal Arc Welding.
“Welders are vital to our infrastructure and economy; their skills are essential for the production of most manufactured goods in America. Our county is facing a growing shortage of welders, and to ensure that we are able to sustain this vital part of our work force, we are supporting REOC to offer welding training opportunities that break down barriers and promote equity in the workforce,” said County Executive Bello. “I extend my gratitude to Dr. Roosevelt Mareus and his team for creating this transformative program and special thanks to our federal delegation for securing this funding and the county legislature for approving it.”
“The opening of the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center’s Mobile Welding Lab will further enhance and expand the life-changing work that the REOC does each day. By eliminating transportation barriers, it will provide an opportunity for those in underserved communities to enter a field that is in high demand not only across the United States, but right here in Monroe County,” said SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi McPherson.
The New York State Department of Labor estimates nearly 180 welding job openings annually in the nine-county Finger Lakes region. According to the American Welding Society, the industry is expected to face a nationwide shortage of 360,000 welders by 2027 because of industry growth and retirement of an aging workforce.
The mobile welding program aligns with equity goals outlined in the 2021 Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) Commission recommendations. REOC is partnering with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to allow formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth who are deemed in good standing by law enforcement to participate in this program. The goal to help them enter the skilled workforce and provide alternative options to recidivism by offering skills training in a high-growth and vital industry.
“Breaking down employment barriers for at-risk youth, those returning from incarceration, and others who face significant challenges securing employment is critical to giving everyone in our community the opportunity to thrive – and I’m proud to have secured federal funds to help do just that,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This $1.3 million investment in the REOC’s Mobile Welding Lab will help give REOC the tools and resources they need to set people on the path to success.”
For more information or to apply for welding classes at REOC, visit https://reoc.brockport.edu/courses/welding/.
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