People interested in careers in welding now have a new scholarship option to help them cover the costs of certification at MCC. Mahany Welding Supply President and MCC alumnus Michael Krupnicki ’85 established the Krupnicki Family Scholarship for Excellence in Welding with the Monroe Community College Foundation to support students enrolled in MCC’s welding and fabrication certificate program. The program, launched with Krupnicki’s help in 2009, provides students with training to earn industry credentials and prepares them for careers in the high demand field of welding.
“We’ve faced a shortage of welders for the past five years and some jobs go unfilled locally,” said Krupnicki during a meeting with MCC Foundation directors where he pledged $100,800 (payable over seven years) to establish the scholarship. “Many graduates of our program land good-paying jobs before they complete the program. The demand for certified welders is growing.”
“Michael and Mahany Welding Supply’s partnership with MCC demonstrates exactly how community colleges can fuel the economic engine of a region,” said Diane L. Shoger, executive director of the MCC Foundation. “Together we will help satisfy a growing workforce need and put students on the path to rewarding and well-paying careers.”
Krupnicki, a member of the MCC class of 1985, partnered with MCC six years ago to offer a three-credit, elective welding course for machining, HVAC/R, and automotive students. In response to workforce demand in 2009, he helped develop the 20-week, 360-hour welding and fabrication certificate program (noted previously) with MCC. Students enrolled in the program take classes at the Rochester Arc and Flame Center in Gates.
“We expanded the program to serve more students,” Krupnicki said. “Our program can now handle two classes of 16 students twice per year.” His vision for the near future is to open a larger facility and help position MCC as a top educator of welders for the nation.
The scholarship will award two students $3,600 each for each semester, covering half of the program cost. The inaugural scholarships will be awarded in the fall 2013 semester. Successful applicants must be registered in the certificate program and demonstrate an aptitude and interest in a welding career. For more information, contact MCC’s Office of Workforce Development at (585) 292-3770.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020. The median annual wage was $35,450 (May 2010). According to MCC Career Coach, there are more than 1,000 welders employed locally with many approaching retirement age.
About Mahany Welding Supply
Mahany Welding Supply was founded in 1946 and has become a leader in the Western New York metal fabrication market. The company provides a complete portfolio of high value welding and fabrication products, services and solutions.
The Monroe Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation that seeks and secures private funds to supplement Monroe Community College’s traditional revenue sources. Through its ongoing efforts, it provides scholarship assistance, faculty enrichment programs, funding for educational equipment and seed money for innovative programs
Mark Pastorella
MCC Foundation
05/21/2013 |