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Welder Training Program Expanding into Bluefield Area

Bluestone Workforce Training Center

BLUEFIELD, VA — Southwest Virginia Community College continues to expand educational and training opportunities in the region by announcing today plans to offer welding and training for other workforce fast track credentials at its new Bluestone workforce training facility, located in the Bluestone area near Bluefield, VA. The expansion was made possible through a partnership with Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority, who leased the facility to the college, and the Virginia Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission, who is providing most of training equipment that will be used at the facility. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to offer American Welding Society (AWS) certified training to support the high-demand welding sector and specifically employers in that part of the college’s service region,” said Randall Rose, Dean of Workforce & Continuing Education at the college. “The added training facility will serve as a satellite site to our new Bluefield Center, as Southwest steadily adds academic classes and workforce training opportunities for that region overall”, Rose continued. 

Randy Rose (left) and John Mullins (right) inspect a Lincoln Electric welder delivered to the training facility.

Welding classes are scheduled to start at the facility in August, with plans for ongoing training to meet demand. The facility will also be used to provide customized welding and manufacturing training for area businesses and manufacturers as feasible. 

Student participation in Southwest Virginia Community College’s workforce training programs has increased significantly in recent years, even though the pandemic, primarily because of the college’s steady expansion of fast track credentialing training classes in various in-demand sectors. 

“Southwest Virginia Community College is dedicated to becoming a premier workforce training provider of the Virginia Community College System and our region. This partnership and additional workforce training facility is yet another example of the steps we are taking to reach that goal,” stated Dr. Tommy Wright, president of Southwest Virginia Community College. 

Most Virginia resident students who participate in training at the new facility will be supported through various tuition assistance programs, including Virginia’s new G3 program which started earlier this month. Some residents may also qualify for an additional financial award through the relatively new Virginia Ready program. Interested individuals should contact the college at 276-964-7244 or workforce@sw.edu to learn more. 

Southwest Virginia Community College is dedicated to providing quality workforce training and solutions to support the region’s employers and economic development overall.  The college has proudly served residents, businesses, and organizations of the region, including the counties of Buchanan, parts of Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell, since 1967.

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To enroll in training or learn more about all training opportunities contact: 

SWCC Workforce & Continuing Education Office
276-964-7244
workforce@sw.edu  

For any general questions about the new training facility contact: 

Randall Rose
Dean of Workforce & Continuing Education
276-964-7683
randall.rose@sw.edu

About Southwest Virginia Community College: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve approximately 241,000 students each year. For more information, please visit http://www.sw.edu

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve approximately 241,000 students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

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