News
Luna welding program continuing to educate students
Luna Community College’s welding program continues to do its part to assist its students and put them in a better position to find work in the industry.
Luna’s welding instructor Gene Martinez is teaching five classes this fall semester: Introduction to welding, Welding Level I, Welding Level II, Pipe and Plate Code Test, and Vocational Education 109 (OSHA Safety).
“I have 10 students each in various levels of the program,” said Martinez. “All of my students are social distancing and using their PPE (personal protective equipment). At the beginning I was teaching half of my students online. (Since) the restrictions eased, I have all my students in class.”
Martinez said Luna is working through issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My students feel that online learning has too many limitations,” said Martinez. “It’s a lot better to teach learning basic shop management, welding sciences and welding techniques in a live class setting.”
Martinez said New Mexico is expected to add 1,000 welding jobs per year over the next decade.
“Many of my students will most likely move out of the city or state to find work,” said Martinez. “A few have expressed (interest in) creating their own business. “I advise my students to have a developed plan for their career or their business.”
Martinez said several Luna students recently tested and passed their American Welders Society certification.