Potential economic boost on shore from new center

A new training center being called a “golden opportunity” for the Eastern Shore officially opened its doors on Wednesday.

Ten trainees are now a couple weeks into their welding training at the Arcon Welding Services Training Center.

Bill Giordano is the center’s training director and says the group is expected to graduate from the program by the end of the year.

“A lot people find that when they start this line of work, that it’s very hard and it doesn’t come easy. It’s not like a real quick self-gratification thing, you have to put in the time and effort.” Says Giordano. “We have a saying that the more you burn, the more you learn…and the only way to learn is keeping the shield down.”

He says this ten-week program can actually accommodate up to 15 people at a time.

According to company president Katerina Ennerfelt, there are more than 40 metal fabricators on the Eastern Shore that are looking for employees with these particular skills. While job placement within already established companies is not a guarantee, she says she’s confident it will make the area more attractive for new businesses.

“As an employer, as a business person, if I’m looking at where I’m going to place my business…the first place I’m going to look at is actually not “can I find a dock for my boat?” no the first thing is “can my company find a work force?” because that’s a big issue today.” Says Ennerfelt.

For more information on the program, please visit their Facebook page.