Summary
- $1M expansion adds 20 booths; lab now totals 46.
- Program doubled over summer; all seven classes filled.
- College targets local demand: ~300 jobs, $43k–$68k pay range.
Palo Alto College has invested over $1 million to grow its Welding Technology Program, adding 20 new booths and bringing the lab to 46 stations. Leaders say the program doubled in size over the summer and still filled seats through word of mouth, across courses like Welding Safety, Welding Symbols and Blueprints, and Welding Techniques.
The pathway is built around stackable credentials: Level 1 (31 credits), Level 2 (45 credits), and an associate degree requiring 60 total hours. Instruction is led by two faculty members—with the college recruiting more staff to match demand and to prepare for a $65 million Center of Applied Technology planned at Brooks.
Officials highlight local hiring needs—about 300 open jobs in construction, manufacturing, and transportation—and promote roles such as welding machine operator with an estimated $43,000–$68,000 salary range. The college’s enrollment climbed to 15,400+ students (up from ~12,400), the majority studying part-time while working or supporting families.
Source:
Danya Pérez
Discussion