Officials with the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) workforce development office were recently awarded a “Women in Welding” workforce grant by the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF).

This workforce grant will provide for a week-long intensive welding training class for up to 20 women interested in learning how to weld.

Participants in the program will learn the basic welding skills needed to fill technician-level full-time jobs or enter registered apprenticeship opportunities in the welding industry, officials said.

What the grant will cover

The grant will cover the tuition costs and all required personal protective equipment (PPE) for each student, officials said. Students also will be eligible to receive daycare assistance up to $100 each day to support their educational needs, they added.

“Welding has historically been a male dominated profession, but we are seeing that change. More and more women are entering the welding trade,” said Dr. Michael Orf, dean of academic affairs. “This grant will help Missouri State University-West Plains provide women interested in becoming welders a starting point into the profession.”  

“We are so appreciative of the MSLF for supporting our workforce efforts,” added Sheila Barton, director of workforce development. “Not only will these funds provide education and training, they will help build a workforce pipeline in support of our growing regional economy.”

More about MSLF

The Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation was created in 2010 and is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation. The foundation was formed by MOHELA to help make higher education more accessible and affordable for Missouri families, according to the foundation’s website.

The “Women in Welding” program will be offered later this fall, Barton said.   

For more information about the program and how to apply, contact Barton at 417-255-7784 or SheilaBarton@MissouriState.edu.

For more information about MSU-WP and its academic programs, visit WP.MissouriState.edu or call the admissions office at 417-255-7955.