The Lincoln County Board of Education officially approved the renovation of existing program space at the Lincoln County Area Technology Center to create a new welding lab for students at Tuesday’s meeting.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) has approved the addition of the welding lab for the 2021-22 school year. The Board has had plans drawn by an architect to renovate a current space at the technology center. The welding lab will be replacing a woodworking class as a new option for students.
Lincoln County Area Technology Center Principal Amy Tracy said there’s been a welding class offered in the past (Welding for Maintenance) and students were able to participate in welding through the program at Garrard County but this would be the first time the program would be offered at Lincoln County.
“This will create more opportunities for our high school students to obtain useful skills that will make them career ready upon graduation. We have spoken to local employers and realize there is a high demand for welders. This will be a huge benefit to our community and local industry,” said Superintendent Michael Rowe.
Paperwork for the welding lab has been sent to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) for approval. When approved, the Board will solicit bids to complete the construction of the welding lab. The project is expected to get underway as soon as state approval is obtained.