By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorA welding training program that is a collaboration between a local economic development group and St. Charles Community College will launch this summer.Greater Warren County Economic Development officials last week announced the creation of the welding program, which they say will be a boon to the area for those seeking employment or higher wages.The welding classes will be held in the evenings Monday through Thursday at Wright City High School. The 20-week training program will begin later this summer, although no firm date has yet to be set.The classes will be open to high school students and adults, officials said.“A quality workforce is the lifeblood of any organization,” said Scott Hays, GWCEDC president. “Having this welding program in our own community is vital to continuing to develop a quality workforce that is needed in many companies throughout the region.”The welding program is nationally recognized and designed to educate students for gainful employment. St. Charles Community College is a SENSE welding location and the program curriculum is certified by the American Welding Society (AWS). Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) will be offered at the start, with the hopes of adding more classes in the future.Tuition for the program may be covered under special funding through the Missouri Manufacturing WINS initiative, resulting in minimal or no costs for those who meet certain federal criteria.Several local companies are in need of trained welders. The idea behind the program is to provide an opportunity for those who are unemployed or seeking a new career to be able to attend classes locally for a profession that provides good wages.Individuals employed in welding trades earn as much as 32 percent higher wages than the county average wage, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.“A local welding training program will help businesses in Warren County find trained employees to fill available job openings and will help residents of the county greatly increase their earning potential by enhancing their skills,” said Gary Carter, workforce development committee chair for the GWCEDC and president of Warrenton Steel.Wright City R-II School District officials said they are pleased to host the welding program.“We are pretty thankful that the EDC and St. Charles Community College are looking to put that here in Wright City,” Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines said. “We are at the point that as soon as soon as the students are ready to go, we are ready to go.”Under the agreement reached for the program, the R-II district will provide classroom and learning laboratory space, instructor office space and storage space which accommodates a minimum of eight students and use of other space as arranged. SCCC will pay $6,000 annually, or $500 monthly, for use of the district’s facility.To enroll for the welding classes, people may contact the Warrenton Career Center at 636-456-9467 or the St. Charles Career Center at 636-255-6060, extension 5213.Welding program coming to area