New state of the art welding training center opens in Gahanna

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCHM) -- A new welding training center opened in Gahanna Friday, providing a new opportunity for people to learn a skilled trade and get a higher-paying job.

The state of the art center was created by NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas, and will train welders from Ohio and five other states. Those welders will work on major projects, including the Intel development in Licking County.

The center also offers an alternative for people who don't have the resources to pursue a traditional four-year college degree.

"Being in the trades is a very honorable and very good profession," NiSource's Bill Jefferson said. "Us being able to support the trades, our welders, our electricians, our pipefitters. The country would not survive without those trades and we're happy to be able to produce those trades."

The new welding training center will also help adults make a career change, providing on-the-job training to help them transition into a skilled trade career.