Submitted by the Economic Development Council.

The Economic Development Council of San Juan County will offer an Introduction to Welding course as part of their Trades Training Initiative. This course is open to participants from San Juan County, ages 18 and over, who plan to use welding skills for paying work.

Lauryl Gaumer started Friday Harbor Fabrication with her partner after moving to San Juan Island. Their business focuses on architectural metalwork, producing metal furniture, handrails and guardrails through multiple fabrication processes, including TIG (tungsten inert gas) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding.

The class will provide an overview of basic welding concepts and techniques, tools and shop safety. Students will gain hands-on experience in MIG and TIG welding. Additional training and certification support may be available to those who complete this course.

The course will be held Saturday, March 8, from 1-4 p.m. in Friday Harbor. The course is free except for a $35 registration fee, which includes materials and safety equipment. Applications for enrollment are due Feb. 26.

Please visit https://sanjuansedc.org/trades/ to apply. For additional information, please contact the EDC’s trades training coordinator, Marti McConnell, at 360-378-2906, or marti@sandjuansedc.org.

The San Juan County EDC strives to support small rural enterprises and conduct projects to stimulate new job creation, strengthen the economic base for working families and support overall quality of life for islanders.

The EDC thanks San Juan County for grants that provide the major funding for the program, and our team of trades professionals, and community members for logistical support that makes this course possible. The EDC also thanks The Raynier Foundation, The Building Industry Association of Washington, San Juan Building Association, The Port of Friday Harbor, The Town of Friday Harbor, and other donors and grantors whose support of the EDC Tech and Trades Training Initiatives that were critical to getting this program started.