SCC wants to add welding center at its Lincoln campus | Education | #education | #technology | #training

“Analysis of the learning spaces within the welding technology program demonstrated undersized, crowded labs that were unsafe for students and faculty,” the program statement says.

SCC’s welding program has room for 84 welding booths for all levels of learners but cannot expand to accommodate increased enrollment as students seek high-paying welding jobs in Nebraska.

The limited space also doesn’t facilitate partnering with companies for training opportunities, testing and other events, SCC said.

According to the program statement, in addition to allowing SCC to expand to 184 welding booths to accommodate learners of various skill levels, moving the welding program into a standalone facility would address several safety concerns that exist in the current space.

SCC would improve fire safety by removing an ignition source, as well as alleviate overcrowding caused by an influx of students and new equipment used to teach to industry standards, the college said.

The existing welding facility would be repurposed into an expanded gymnasium, esports arena and athletic training center, which would be paid for through existing funds.

It would also create room to move SCC’s offices currently located at 301 S. 68th St., and further the college’s plans to divest from that property, according to the proposal approved by the board.