Aug. 26, 2026
A former lead veterinary technician and single mother of three, Patricia Harder, known affectionately as Trish to her students, has worn many hats in her life. In fact, picking up a welding hat was just a matter of chance.
“I know a welder, and I wasn’t sure exactly what he did. He was welding in his garage one day, and I thought it seemed cool. He asked me, ‘You want to try?’ I love to learn anything I can, so I did,” said Harder. Impressed by her natural talent for welding, Harder’s friend encouraged her to pursue the trade by taking classes at GRCC.
After graduating, Harder was invited to help teach alongside welding professor Nick Pinckney in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), which allows individuals to participate in career and technical education programs for little to no cost.
“I didn’t know how to read a tape measure or use most of the tools when I started,” said Harder. “Now, I get to help other people learn the same skills that changed my life.”
"I Can Do It, Too"
As an instructor, Harder finds that the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. “I listen to their stories and their frustrations. They look at Nick and think, ‘of course you’re gonna do great, you’ve been welding forever, ’” Harder continues. “So then when I come in, and they hear my story, they realize, ‘wow, I can do it too’”.
Harder credits Nick Pinckney and other GRCC instructors for creating a healthy and supportive learning environment that has helped her excel as both a student and instructor.
“The instructors here genuinely care. Nick and the other instructors always took the time to answer questions, encourage me and help me grow,” said Harder.
Now as an instructor, Harder continues those efforts because of the impact she sees in her students.
“Watching someone earn a certificate and realize they’re capable of more than they thought is incredible,” she said. “This program changes lives, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Register for Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp by Oct. 1
GRCC has once again been invited to participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative, the same program that changed Trish Harder's life. The 14-week welding bootcamp teaches essential skills and helps students prepare for apprenticeships and job opportunities in West Michigan.
The program is open to all experience levels. It's perfect for anyone who wants to learn a new skill and get hands-on welding experience. Students pay only $50 for the program. The rest is covered by a grant from Metallica's foundation All Within My Hands.
Contact Lannie Collard at lcollard@grcc.edu by Oct. 1 to register. Classes start Oct. 15.