Minor equipment breakdowns can cost producers big money in lost time or repair bills. Through discussion with local producers and the Clinton Co. ANR Agent the need for hands-on basic welding instruction was mentioned.  After discussion with the Cumberland County ANR agent and the Albany Technology center welding instructor, it was decided to offer the program as a combined effort for a total of 12 participants. The class filled up within a few days of advertising. There is now a waitlist for a class in the fall at the same center. For the spring class, a total of 12 participants took part in the class. This consisted of eleven males and one female, six from Clinton County and six from Cumberland/Adair counties. Forty-two percent of participants were over the age of 56 and 83% lived on a farm. Based on a pre-evaluation 75% indicated they were a beginner at stick welding, 83% indicated they were a beginner at MIG welding, 92% indicated they were a beginner at Oxy/Acetylene cutting, and 100% indicated they were a beginner at plasma cutting. On a post survey 91% indicated they were interested in an advanced class while 100% would recommend the class to others and they plan to attempt small on-farm repair jobs that require welding. 100% of the participants indicated the increased their knowledge of welding and Oxy fuel cutting.  Throughout the eight-week class, multiple participants stated how they enjoyed the class and were learning a lot. Participants were paired in groups of two at each welding station, which helped build confidence in the participants welding ability by learning from each other as well as the instructor.