Sparks flying, metal clanging, and students working together to get projects done; sounds like just an ordinary day for the welding students at Ventura College.
Those are just a few things students of Mike Clark’s advanced welding class face in his class.
“Students are offered a chance to pass and receive a certificate in any of the five different welding processes,” said Clark. “Demand for welders is in a high demand here in Ventura County, I get calls every day from people around the county asking for students who are certified in a certain area.”
Students are offered a chance to take Clark’s advanced class and improve on the skills needed to pass the test for certification. Students are primarily tested visually on how their test looks and the integrity that lies in their work. If they are able to pass the necessary procedures they receive a certification on the type of welding they are performing. The class helps find employment in Ventura County and some places that are very strong in finding experienced students include Simi Valley, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.
Students find the class to be very interesting and exciting not only because they are able to use their hands but also getting the chance to work on different projects and help sharpen their skills.
“It’s a great class, a lot of hands-on experience, said Joaquin Paez, 22. “There is non-stop welding, it’s a great experience, and the class helps with job placement around Ventura County.”
Students in the class differ in age with some being as young as 18 to others in their thirties or forties. The older student looks to sharpen or learn new techniques when it comes to welding.
The main classes include the intro class where students are taught the basics and it exposes students to the welding process. After the intro class the advanced class comes in and it is there that students take their interest in welding and use it by working on many different projects throughout the semester.
Some of the projects that students are working on include two bikes with both very different looks and styles. The main and biggest project is a BBQ pit that is being made for the Lion’s Club.
After they have practiced enough they use their skills to become certified in any of the five main processes.
Many students take both classes each semester and around 30 students are taking both the intro and advanced class.
Mike Clark has been teaching for 16 years with two years here at Ventura College and has been welding for 27 years. If you have any questions on this class or any of the other classes offered at Ventura College give Mike Clark a call at 654-6400 ext. 1342.
