A safer way to learn welding

FLCC worked with two Wayne County agencies to develop a welding class that uses augmented reality and computer simulations to teach basic techniques.

It’s safer.

It saves money.

And students enjoy it.

FLCC’s new welding class uses augmented reality equipment for hands-on training without the danger of sparks, molten metal and heat.

Students in the 12-week course at the Newark Campus Center don a welding visor and grasp a torch-like tool. Both are connected  by cables to a computer running a simulation program.

In this immersive environment, students are presented with welding tasks. The software provides real-time feedback, for example, alerting students if they are holding tools incorrectly or need to change their hand motions.

“It’s building muscle memory they will need on the job,” explains Patrick Bennett, who coordinates the program. After students learn basic techniques and safety skills, they will spend the final two weeks of the program in December in a real welding shop.

Welding is a high demand job, but setting up training sites with the right tools, safety equipment and raw materials is costly. The computerized kits provide an affordable, life-like experience while eliminating risk of personal injury.

They are also highly portable, meaning the course location can move around the region so students don’t have to travel long distances to get training. Patrick and instructor Jahaan Williams recently gave about 100 eighth-graders a chance to try the equipment at the Wayne County 8^th Grade Career Carnival in October.

The current pilot program is geared for 18-to 26-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds. Discussions are under way to bring the course to high schools for seniors to get basic instruction before graduating.

The first class began in September and runs through mid-December. It has eight students who meet at the Newark Campus Center, off Route 88, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 to noon.

FLCC is already taking names for the next session, which will begin in mid-January and run through mid-April. Applicants should contact the FLCC Workforce and Career Solutions Office at workforce@flcc.edu or (585) 785-1670.

FLCC worked with Wayne County Community Schools and the Wayne County Action Program to develop the program. Ontario County Economic Development and the SUNY Transformation Fund provided funds for the augmented reality machines.