To meet the demands of the growing oil and gas industry in the region, West Virginia University at Parkersburg is offering a new downhill welding course for welders looking to enhance their skills. The fast track, six-week course begins Dec. 4 and provides API 1104 certification in downhill pipe welding.
“In meeting with business and industry leaders, we learned of the growing need for certified downhill pipe welders,” said Michele Wilson, executive director of Workforce and Community Education at WVU Parkersburg. “This program is currently the only one of its kind in West Virginia and the Mid-Ohio Valley. It will get welders the credentials needed to advance their careers.”
To qualify for enrollment, individuals must be a:
- Graduate of WVU Parkersburg’s welding program or other approved welding trade school; or
- Professional with five years of recorded welding experience; or
- Current WVU Parkersburg welding student enrollment in his or her last semester of the associate of applied science program with West Virginia state certification.
The course will take place Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 and Jan. 8, 15 and 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at WVU Parkersburg. Those interested should contact Deborah Lockhart at 304.424.8277 or Deborah.Lockhart@wvup.edu by Nov. 26 to register.
