FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2007
For More Information:
Carolyn Casey
Corporate Communications Manager
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
Port of Bellingham Dedicates Funds to Welding Program
Commission Approves $20,000 for Bellingham Technical College Program
[Bellingham, Wash.] Underscoring the business community's need for additional trained welders, the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners approved funding construction materials for the Bellingham Technical College's industrial welding program.
"Our boat building and ship repair tenants have had a difficult time finding enough welders for the jobs they have available," said Commissioner Jim Jorgensen. "By supporting this program, we will help both the college and our tenants be successful."
Bellingham Technical College is creating a Welding Fabrication Training Module that will be a structure to simulate real-world welding and fabrication conditions. The structure will be constructed by BTC students. This project is part of an expansion of the welding program, which will allow the college to double the number of students being trained in welding.
"This much needed help from the Port could not have come at a better time," said Satpal Sidhu, BCT Dean. "As our welding program is embarking upon expansion and moving into a new building, BTC is offering a new AAS Degree program in Welding Fabrication. With the generous donations from Port and Anvil Corporation, BTC will be able to create a teaching module where students will be able to practice welding techniques and safety skills for welding in tight spaces as well as overhead welding, pipe welding and the use of harnesses & scaffolds. Our local employers have told us that such skills are critical for on-the-job success for their new hires."
In addition to the Port's $20,000 contribution, the Anvil Corporation is providing free engineering services and donations are being sought from local industries who rely on trained welders. Construction of the module should be completed by the summer of 2008.
The Port funds came from the Port's Industrial Development Corporation, generates income through a fee on the industrial revenue bonds it issues to provide tax-exempt, low-interest financing for industrial and manufacturing projects. This IDC money can only be used for economic development programs.
In addition to the welding program, the port also has a partnership with BTC's aviation training programs.
The Port of Bellingham operates Whatcom County's major transportation terminals including the Bellingham Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers in its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition, about 300 businesses operate on Port properties. The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government.
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Carolyn Casey
Corporate Communications Manager
Port of Bellingham
PO BOX 1677
Bellingham, WA 98227
www.portofbellingham.com
(360) 676-2500
