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| WMCI graduates inaugural welding certification class |
| By Wyoming Department of Corrections |
| Published: 08/01/2011 |
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The Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution graduated the inaugural class of the Vocational Welding Program that utilizes the Wyoming Department of Corrections mobile welding lab. A total of 7 inmates, all from WMCI, graduated with a certification in plate welding from Eastern Wyoming College. The certification provides credentials for the students to assist in pursuing a job upon release. The welding program is the same curriculum that students receive at the EWC, but it is taught in the mobile welding lab at WMCI . Fred Wilson, the vocational welding instructor at WMCI, said there is a high demand for the training among inmates both for the educational credits and the experience. “Above all, these guys learn that, when they start something in life that is difficult, hard-to-do, challenging or out of their expertise, they can finish it to the end if they stick to it,” Wilson said. “The experience and life skills they receive through this training is why this program is so beneficial for inmates.” During the training, students learn a variety of skills such as metallurgy, electrical concepts, what type of welding system to use and personal, shop and equipment safety. They receive training in physical skills related to welding as well such as how to weld in all positions including flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead. “And by the end of the class, they know how to make a strong quality weld that not only looks good, but will pass an extreme bend test,” Wilson said. He said inmates that have completed the welding program, are now helping to fabricate projects for the WMCI facility, such as basketball standards, softball backstops, various tool and storage cages, special and other items for grounds and maintenance. “Now they are able to apply the skills and talents they've learned and build a project,” Wilson said. “Something they can say was built by them.” The welding lab, unveiled last July by the WDOC, has stations for 5 students at a time, and is used at three institutions on a rotating basis: the Wyoming Women’s Center, the Wyoming State Penitentiary, and the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution. The department has a stand-alone welding facility at the Wyoming Honor Conservation/Boot Camp. The purpose of the welding program is to provide inmates with a livable wage job skill; welding jobs are available in Wyoming and most are open to those with a felony conviction (wages range from $12 to $36 per hour). |
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