Bell Technical Center Gets Grant for its Welding Program

The welding program of the Edward Bell Career Technical Center is getting a much needed boost as the Tallapoosa County Board of Education got a $75,000 grant late last month. The grant came from Appalachian Regional Commission to help buy equipment to create a modern welding training facility at the EBCTC in Camp Hill.

Jimmy Lester, Appalachian Regional Commission’s program manager for the state of Alabama, said that one of the goals of the commission is to help improve the economic development of the region that includes the creation of career training programs. He added that the timing of the grant is perfect for what the commission and the state is doing at present. The welding program appealed to the commission because it linked to the skill sets and equipment required for the industries in the area, such as the automotive industries.

The Tallapoosa County Board of Education has stressed in their application that they are working with the development of the workforce in the region, as well as working with the industry to target skills and areas required in the workforce. Superintendent Joe Windle of the Tallapoosa County Schools District said that the grant is vital in helping them prepare students for a career in the industry.

The grant will allow the welding program to buy equipment for the new welding lab. Windle said that the welding program needed the help of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Jim Byard, director of ADECA, said that the agency will help Tallapoosa County because they stand prepare future members of the workforce. Windle added that they would not have made it into reality without the advice of Lester as well as the writing of the grant by the Tallapoosa County Schools director of career and technical education.

During the presentation of the grant, State Representative Mark Tuggle of Alexander City said that new companies have been locating in Alabamaon a daily basis and qualified metal workers and welders are in short supply. The welding program will provide new workers to the industry.

Photo taken form Edward Bell Technical Center Camp Hill Facebook Page. Visit them and learn what they do!