Expanding Welding Education at Washington County Career Center

Overview

Washington County Career Center faced a challenge familiar to many educational institutions: the need to expand facilities to accommodate growing student interest. With an increasing number of students enrolling in their welding program, WCCC recognized the need for a second welding lab to provide the necessary space and resources for hands-on learning. Partnering with Amtek Company, WCCC embarked on a comprehensive project to design, equip, and install a state-of-the-art welding lab that would meet the demands of its expanding program.

Project Goals

The primary goal of this project was to create a second welding lab that would:

• Accommodate Increased Enrollment: Provide adequate space and resources for the growing number of students in the welding program.
• Enhance Educational Quality: Equip the lab with advanced welding technologies and systems to ensure students received the highest quality training.
• Promote Safety and Efficiency: Design a lab that maximized both safety and efficiency, with proper ventilation and ergonomic workspaces.

Phase 1: Collaborative Design and Layout

From the outset, Amtek Company worked closely with the CTE Director and Welding Instructor at WCCC to design a welding lab tailored to the needs of the program. The collaborative design process involved several key steps:

• Space Assessment: An initial assessment of the available space was conducted to determine the optimal layout for the lab, ensuring that all equipment and workstations could be accommodated without overcrowding.
• Equipment Selection: WCCC selected a range of industry-leading welding equipment, including:
  • Clean Air America Welding Systems: Chosen for their efficiency in fume extraction and air purification, crucial for maintaining a safe learning environment.
  • Miller Welders: Renowned for their durability and performance, providing students with the tools needed to develop strong welding skills.
  • Miller Mobile Arc Augmented Reality Welding Training System: This advanced system offered students the opportunity to practice welding in a virtual environment before moving on to live welding, enhancing both safety and skill development.
  • CNC Plasma Cutting Table: Integrated into the lab to expand the students’ capabilities in precision metal cutting and fabrication.
• Custom-Built Tables: In a unique twist, WCCC decided to build their own tables for the lab, allowing them to tailor the workstations to their specific needs and preferences. This was part of their original concept because it allowed for student involvement in the project. The students designed and built the tables!

Phase 2: Equipment Installation and Ventilation Setup

Once the design and layout were finalized, Amtek Company took charge of installing the equipment and setting up the necessary infrastructure:

• Equipment Installation: All selected welding systems, the augmented reality training system, and the CNC plasma cutting table were carefully installed in the new lab. The installation process ensured that all equipment was fully operational and met the school’s standards for safety and performance.
• Ventilation Systems: A key aspect of the project was the installation of Clean Air America’s fume extraction systems. To optimize the lab’s air quality, Amtek Company installed the ductwork necessary for the fume collection unit to be located outside the lab. This setup allowed for clean, recirculated air to be brought back into the lab, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for students and instructors.
• Final Inspections: After installation, the entire lab underwent rigorous testing and inspections to ensure all systems were functioning correctly and met the required safety standards.

Phase 3: Finalization and Handover

The final phase of the project involved a comprehensive review of the lab to ensure it met WCCC’s expectations and requirements:

• Operational Training: Amtek Company provided training for the WCCC staff on the proper use and maintenance of the new equipment, ensuring that instructors were fully equipped to make the most of the new resources.
• Ongoing Support: As a one-stop shop, Amtek Company offered ongoing support and service, guaranteeing that WCCC could rely on expert assistance for any future needs related to the lab’s operation.

Challenges & Solutions

One of the primary challenges of this project was integrating a state-of-the-art ventilation system that not only maintained air quality but also operated efficiently within the lab’s layout. The solution involved relocating the fume collection unit outside the lab and designing a ductwork system that seamlessly recirculated clean air back inside. This approach maximized both safety and comfort in the welding lab.

Another unique aspect of the project was that students were empowered to design and build the tables for the lab. Amtek Company confirmed could be seamlessly integrated with the rest of the lab infrastructure — and we’re proud of how the students were able to be a part of the project!

Outcome

The completion of Washington County Career Center’s second welding lab was a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to providing top-tier vocational training. The new lab not only accommodated the increased student enrollment but also enhanced the quality of the welding program by incorporating cutting-edge technology and equipment. The partnership between WCCC and Amtek Company resulted in a facility that is both functional and forward-thinking, preparing students for successful careers in welding and fabrication.

Conclusion

The addition of a second welding lab at Washington County Career Center exemplifies how Amtek Company serves as a comprehensive partner for educational institutions seeking to expand and enhance their vocational training facilities. From initial design and layout to final installation and ongoing support, Amtek Company’s expertise ensured that WCCC’s vision for its welding program was fully realized. This case study highlights the importance of collaboration, advanced technology, and meticulous planning in creating educational environments that truly empower students.