Success StoryBasic Welding School for Farmers
Basic Welding School for Farmers
Author: Colby Guffey
Planning Unit: Clinton County CES
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Plan of Work: Livestock, Poultry, & Crops
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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.
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