Guest feature: Denise Beaver is the deputy director for Carroll County Economic Development . Follow along on Facebook  and Twitter .

Carroll County manufacturers like EVAPCO and FR Conversions are very interested in the mobile welding training program offered through a partnership between the Carroll County Business/Employment Resource Center  (BERC) and Earlbeck Gases and Technologies .

The Earlbeck Mobile Welder Training and Testing Facility is a custom designed 40-foot trailer containing eight welding booths. It is fully self-contained with inverter welding machines, 70 KW generator, cylinder gases, ventilation, and heat.

Welding students are getting this hands-on career building experience in Westminster. In just nine weeks, students are trained on welding safety, welding equipment set up, basic welding, and operation of MIG, TIG, and Stick Equipment. The course provides the students with the skills to pass a minimum of two national level welding certifications.

“By the time they finish the advanced classes they can easily get an entry-level job,” said welding instructor Tony Brown.

The training facility is parked outside of the Carroll County Business/Employment Resource Center located on North Center Street.

“Students are learning in nine weeks what would typically take between nine to 14 months,” said Heather Powell, manager of the Business/Employment Resource Center. “It’s free, thanks to American Rescue Plan Act funding. When the student successfully completes the training, they will have a certified skill that is in demand. Recent program graduates have secured local employment and embarked on their new careers.”

The mobile classroom has been used across Maryland and surrounding states for training and certification, and students range from high school graduates to adults looking for new careers. A new class is starting February 14. Visit the BERC website  for more information or call 410-386-2820.