Metal fabrication expansion project completed at Fort Atkinson campus

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - An expansion project several years in the making is finally complete on the Fort Atkinson campus of Madison College.

The one-million-dollar addition will allow the college to offer both welding and metal fabrication programs simultaneously. Students can earn degrees in both fields in just ten months.

Jimmy Degidio, a co-program director for the Metal Fabrication program, says students enter the workforce making a competitive wage between $50,000 to $55,000 per year.

“The opportunities are endless,” said Degidio. “You can start your own business at some point in time. A lot of our fabricators are looking to that long in the long-term future.”

Industry leaders say there is an increased demand to fill a worker shortage, especially in Jefferson County.

Maria McClellan, the Regional Director for Madison College - Fort Atkinson, says a quarter of the workforce is looking to retire in the next few years.

“The shortage is going to be incredible,” said McClellan. “We’re doing this to help out the industry because that’s what they said they needed.”

The expanded space now includes 17 welding labs which allows for a safer space for students to work in and more room to bring in new equipment.

To celebrate the completion of the project, Madison College is offering an open house and tours of the space Thursday, March 10, from 4-7 p.m.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click HERE.

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