Registration is open for the fall 2022 Train-the-Trainer session for the Work Truck Industry Welder Certification Program, collaboration between NTEA, Lincoln Electric Co., and NC3. The course is scheduled Nov. 8–10 at Lincoln Electric Welding Technology and Training Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
This initiative is designed to provide industry businesses with access to a consistent training curriculum they can utilize to train welders within their organizations. Included is the Train-the-Trainer course for companies that apply and are admitted to the program.
“The welder education program starts with a practical Train-the-Trainer course to prepare individuals selected by their companies as trainers to educate and certify employees right at work,” said David Ehrlich, NTEA director of education. “Through this collaboration with Lincoln Electric and NC3, participating organizations will receive the tools and ongoing support to help them develop and implement their own welder training, testing and certification programs for their employees.”
NTEA member company Holman Manufacturing and Distribution (Bartlett, Ill.) participated in the program when it was first introduced and is leveraging knowledge gained to develop and launch their own company-wide training initiative.
“As a company, we have been working on a welding program for the past several years that we can roll out to all of our locations,” said Chris Prenkert, Holman operations director. “When the opportunity arose with NTEA and NC3, we jumped at the chance after seeing the curriculum. The Train-the-Trainer program is robust, and is a great mix between theory and practical application, so the welders can understand what they are doing and how it affects the final product.
“When the trainers we selected returned, we scaled the material to meet our needs and have already started rolling out qualifications and safety training to multiple locations. This is the closest we have seen to an out-of-the-box welding program that serves multiple types of manufacturing within our industry, and we are looking to send more trainers to the upcoming classes.”
Getting started
Companies interested in participating in the Work Truck Industry Welder Certification Program will begin by
- Completing the LEEPS for NTEA Program Application and submitting it to NC3.
- Designating and registering at least one individual to attend a Train-the-Trainer program at Lincoln Electric’s Welding Technology and Training Center.
Upon earning the course certificate of completion, participants will have the ability to train, mentor and certify other employees at their organizations. NC3 will provide ongoing follow-up support, including a sample implementation plan that companies can use to build programs for their workplace.
Informational webinar
For organizations interested in the Work Truck Industry Welder Certification Program, NTEA will host a program overview webinar (NTEA members free; nonmembers $39) on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, 11:15 a.m.–noon ET. Register at ntea.com/weldercertwebinar.
Visit ntea.com/weldercertification for additional program details and to access Train-the-Trainer program registration