New Welding Program in Mineville Expands Career Training Opportunities

CV-TEC is thrilled to announce the development of a state-of-the-art welding classroom at the Mineville campus. The Operations and Maintenance team has been working diligently to prepare the space, ensuring it’s equipped with the latest technology to create an exceptional environment for hands-on learning.

“The project is making steady progress. The lab has been gutted, power washed and painted, with new clocks and phones installed,” Mineville CV-TEC Principal Kevin Shaw shared in an update. “To meet the electrical power requirements, the Operations and Maintenance crew conducted a load calculation, identified power demands and located a supply. New load centers have been purchased and are set for installation soon. Additionally, quotes for the welding labs have been submitted. We expect the lab to be fully completed by July 2025.”

“The process has been going smoothly. This room hasn’t been used as a classroom for the 18 years that I’ve been here. It will be really nice to see it used for education again,” Director of Facilities Jerry Brooks said.

This new classroom marks a significant expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings for the southern districts, providing greater access to essential educational resources.

“We are thrilled to offer more opportunities for Essex County. The growing interest in the welding program has forced Essex County schools to send students up north, creating an unnecessary burden. The need for this program in the south is clear, and we’re excited to bring these resources to the region,” said Michele Friedman, CV-TEC’s Executive Director of Career and Technical Education.

The welding classroom is a critical step in CV-TEC’s ongoing effort to expand educational opportunities across all districts. By increasing access to specialized programs, this development will enhance the learning experience for students in the southern districts and help them build the skills they need for successful careers.

Cecelia Didyoung, a senior at Moriah, has been commuting an hour each day to take welding courses at the Plattsburgh Learning Hub since her junior year. She is passionate about the program and appreciates the opportunity, but she recognizes that not all students have the same access to specialized education.

“Having a welding room in Mineville will open up the opportunity for more students,” Didyoung said.

The Mineville campus is buzzing with excitement over this development. The chance to refresh the space and modernize the equipment has generated great enthusiasm, and with strong interest already present for the program, it’s clear how important this upgrade is to the campus and its students.

“I’m excited to establish a dedicated Welding Program to meet industry demands. With the average age of welders in the U.S. at 55 and less than 20% under 35, there is a clear need for new skilled workers. This program will provide valuable training opportunities, helping to bridge the gap and prepare the next generation of welders,” Shaw said.