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Workforce Wednesday: Tarisa Rademacher turns from healthcare to welding to add spark

July 14, 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.

Tarisa Rademacher loves working with hot molten metal. “I love watching metal melt and having the skills to mold manipulate it!”

Rademacher worked in the medical field for about two years as a certified nurse assistant and patient care assistant in memory care, but she just got burned out. She also was working part time in a small electronics repair company.

“I saw another guy weld and thought I like the way that looks,” Rademacher said. “I started to look into careers and education around welding. I was looking at going through a four-year program but then learned about Job Training. I knew this program would get me into welding much quicker which is what I want to do. The pay isn’t bad and I like the atmosphere in most shops.”

The GRCC Job Training Welding program meets for 18-weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance.

This program is highly regarded by employers as a top trainer in welding and fabrication. Job developers are ready to help you with the job search process. When you graduate, you will be ready to begin a career as a welder, cutter or brazer – with the skills to meet the needs of local companies.

instructor Nate Haney holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and is an American Welding Society certified welding inspector and certified welding educator.

“Mr. Haney is the best teacher I have ever had in my whole life! This is just the perfect place!” Rademacher said.

Students learn shielded metal arc welding (arc/stick welding), gas metal arc welding (metal inert gas/wire welding), gas tungsten arc welding (heli-arc/tungsten inert gas welding), oxy-fuel welding (gas welding), cutting, brazing, blueprint reading, mathematics, metallurgy, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.

According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 34.7% job growth in the field from 2012 to 2022.

“My plan is to get a job at an employer that will cover some of the expense to further my education,” Rademacher said. “Then, go back school for the degree program. This way I can start earning and gaining experience on the way.”

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. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training.

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