The Northwest College welding department became the first beneficiary of a federal Title III grant, enabling it to purchase more than $64,000 in new equipment.
NWC Assistant Professor of welding Bill Johnson said his department recently acquired several “outstanding” welding machines.
Johnson is excited about a new CNC machine, or plasma cutter. “These machines are top of the line,” he said, “Now all we have to do is re-educate ourselves on this new technology.” Other machines he spoke of were the new arc welders as well as the MIG welders, or gas metal arc welders.
“One of the benefits of these new machines is that they cut back on power, which just makes for a more efficient system,” said Johnson.
When asked who has privileges to use these new machines, Johnson replied, “Well right now we’re still learning the technology, after that, the Rod Burners will have access.”
Johnson also explained that even the inexperienced welder is welcome to join the welding program. “A person that’s never welded makes the best welder. They have no old habits to break. If a student comes to me with no knowledge of welding, I get to teach them the proper way from the start. I just love teaching the trade.”
Johnson and his colleague Harold Elton have continued recruiting efforts and it shows in the high enrollment numbers of the department. The Rod Burners start the semester with 22 new freshman and 17 returning sophomores. Johnson also foresees the program will keep growing.
The professors work hard to recruit new students to the NWC welding department. They have already sent out about 75 letters to prospective students throughout the Midwest.
“Of course the best way to recruit is by word of mouth,” said Johnson. “My students talk about what they do in class with their friends and my hope is that maybe they’ll come to NWC.”
NWC offers courses ranging from the basic welding to more advanced classes. Anyone can weld, in Johnson’s view. He commented, “I think everyone should try welding. They’d have a better understanding of welding and its effect on our everyday lives.”

Dustin Linton sends sparks flying as he welds in the Northwest College welding department, which recently spent the first funds from a federal grant that will provide $365,000 per year for five years or more than $1.8 million total to a variety of NWC programs. The welding department spent in excess of $64,000 for new equipment this year from the grant.

— Photographs by Amber Stones