MONROE, Mich. – Monroe County Community College welding technology students will benefit from equipment purchased with a $50,000 donation from NEXUS Gas Transmission.
The donation, presented in the form of a check at a regular meeting of the MCCC Board of Trustees in late November, will pay for the purchase of equipment for the college’s welding lab that will result in more efficient use of class time by easing limitations to equipment access and improving the overall quality of instruction.
This equipment will include:
- An augmented arc welding simulation system that uses augmented reality technology to improve the efficiency and economy of classroom education for beginner and intermediate-level students;
- A pipe beveller that allows welders to set the beveling angle progressively between 20 and 55 degrees;
- A transportable pipe beveller that produces high-quality bevels in 45 seconds without flames or sparks;
- A welding positioner that features a unique tilting base for added job flexibility;
- A Saddle-Miter Pipe Cutter and modular stand kits; and
- Various “fixturing” pieces to enable the holding and positioning of work pieces in the welding booths, allowing for better setup and practice on pipe and plate weldments.
MCCC’s associate of applied science degree with specialization in welding technology program parallels the highly technological demands of industry. Virtually all modern production welding practices are covered. Students are prepared for many welding-related careers, including welding inspection, sales, service, design, maintenance and engineering. The college offers state and American Welding Society welder certification testing. In addition to associate of applied science degree, MCCC offers two levels of certificate programs in welding. The basic certificate is oriented toward developing those skills required for entry level jobs in the welding field. The advanced certificate is also a skills-intensive program but takes students through higher-level skill proficiency utilizing additional welding procedures and applications.
“We are so grateful that NEXUS has made this donation to our welding program,” said Josh Meyers, executive director of The Foundation at MCCC. “Through this grant, students will gain access to cutting-edge equipment and hardware that will allow them to continue to meet and exceed the expectations of the welding industry.”
“We value Monroe County Community College’s role in educating and training the regional labor force,” said NEXUS Spokesman Adam Parker. “MCCC has a strong reputation for attracting and retaining the most talented students and we are proud to support their efforts. Our investment today in MCCC’s welding program is rooted in our commitment to help build a highly skilled employee base in communities where we work and operate.”
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition.
The college’s mission is to enrich and transform lives by providing opportunities and excellence in higher education. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
About NEXUS Gas Transmission
The NEXUS Project is a proposed 255-mile natural gas pipeline that would run from eastern Ohio to existing pipeline system interconnects in southeastern Michigan. NEXUS will provide increased access to reliable, affordable and much needed supplies of natural gas to heat and power homes and industry and serves as a foundation for future regional growth in Ohio and Michigan.
Construction of the NEXUS project is estimated to support 6,800 jobs, more than $650 million in wages, and $830 million in total economic activity. In its first five years of operation, NEXUS will generate an estimated cumulative tax revenue of $412 million, of which approximately $125 million will go directly to local school districts in Ohio and Michigan. To learn more about NEXUS Gas Transmission, LLC and the proposed pipeline, visit www.nexusgastransmission.com.