PCCC Named An Educational Institution Member of the American Welding Society

April is National Welding Month and Passaic County Community College (PCCC) is proud to announce its new status as an Educational Institution Member of the prestigious American Welding Society (AWS).

“We are very excited to be part of the Society,” says Richard Genco, PCCC Industry and Trades Coordinator and an AWS certified educator.

This membership entitles PCCC’s Welding certificate program to follow the AWS training curriculum and take advantage of other opportunities offered to members, such as continued training, special certifications, networking opportunities, and career support.

The Welding Certificate of Achievement program at PCCC just marked its first anniversary in March and Mr. Genco anticipates significant growth in the coming months.

Representatives of AWS will offer a presentation at PCCC later this spring, and the College may be named an AWS certified test facility next year.  

Graduates of the 15-credit, three-semester program may be employed as entry-level technicians in welding and metal-working industries.  Classes are held in PCCC’s state-of-the-art training center for the trades, which opened just last year on the College’s Main Campus in historic downtown Paterson, New Jersey.

Over the past year, the welding classes at PCCC included men and women, ranging from recent high school graduates to mature adults. “Some are beginners looking to train for an in-demand career and others already have welding experience but want to improve their skills and advance in the industry,” explained Mr. Genco.

“We offer an excellent product at our price point. Our tuition is affordable, welding students can apply for financial aid, and class sizes are small, so students get plenty of individual attention.”   

Mr. Genco emphasized that in the PCCC course, “Students do all their book learning at home, so in class, they are working hands-on and developing their skills.”

An accomplished welder since he was a teenager, Mr. Genco brings to his classes real-world experience gained in the automobile, construction, furniture, and entertainment industries, to name just a few. He also worked on projects for Disney, the Ringling Brothers, and Broadway show productions, and has taught extensively before coming to PCCC.

“Skilled welders are in demand today,” says Mr. Genco, “and the training at PCCC can prepare students for great jobs in a variety of industries.” 

For more information, visit pccc.edu/welding