Nov. 10, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Stephany Borjas believes welding has always been her future – where she is meant to be.
“I am currently in the service industry, but every time I start to think about what I want to do with my life - it always seems to come back to welding.”
Borjas moved to Michigan four years ago from Houston, Texas. She took two years of welding classes in high school.
“I really feel like I need a little bit of a refresher in order to feel confident going into the field.”
The GRCC Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp offers the opportunity to gain skills for entry level welding positions. It is a short-term program to get welders work in West Michigan, with the goal of helping them grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field.
Metallica Scholars is partnership with the legendary band, it's All Within My Hands Foundation, American Association of Community Colleges, Wolverine Boots & Apparel and GRCC.
Borjas didn’t know much about GRCC.
“I actually fell upon GRCC because of my interest in the Motorcycle Safety program. As I looked through the offerings, I saw the info about the Metallica Scholars program and signed up to receive emails about it.”
The program goal is to build an accessible pathway into the field of welding with a focus on producing ready-to-work welders for West Michigan companies. This program works to attract, retain, and graduate individuals of different genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds to welding careers.
“When I received the notice that a new section was being offered I had to sign up! This opportunity doesn’t come up often. I am learning new skills and remembering how to do it. I like to be hands-on, build things and put things together. I feel like this will help me find a career.
“I like the program. My favorite part is the hands-on part. I like our teacher too. He is very informative. As he pointed out, everything is welded – there isn’t much out there that isn’t welded at some point.”
Borjas also likes the small class size.
“I like that it’s a small group so that it is one-on-one, if I need it to be. I am looking forward to my new career in welding!”
To qualify for the program, participants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, and be able to work in the United States. For more information go to grcc.edu/metallica.
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.
