Old Colony Technical Institute launches free Culinary and Welding training, including job placement. Career opportunities await you if your goal is to improve your vocational skills, need training and job placement. Old Colony Regional School District has forged an ongoing partnership with MassHire, Greater New Bedford Workforce Board and the New Bedford Career Center. Together, they have successfully coordinated two adult education courses in welding and culinary arts called the Old Colony Technical Institute (OCTI.)
These two hands-on courses will engage you in a basic understanding of these trades and address the shortage of qualified and skilled tradespeople in the fields. As a student you will have an opportunity to gain vocational hands-on experience, followed by local job placement.
The 200-hour welding program is intended as an introduction to the field of welding. Students will gain knowledge and skills in several welding categories which include Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc welding, Stick Welding and Basic Blueprint Reading. They will also receive their OSHA 10 and Hot Works certifications.
Students in the 200-hour culinary arts program will gain skills in food handling and safety, meal planning, food preparation and hospitality in a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant setting. There will be an opportunity to gain up to 25 hours in work experience with the local employers. Upon graduation, students will have completed OSHA 10, Serve-Safe food and Safe-Serve Allergen.
The mandatory orientation at Old Colony for accepted applicants will be January 10, 2023, at 4:30. This is a free opportunity, but space is limited to 10 individuals per class, so you must apply ahead. This OCTI program will begin January 17 through April 5. Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 pm at Old Colony for a 10-week training, followed by an externship at outside placements. The onsite training will end on April 5.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Cynthia Marland at cmarland@oldcolony.info or call 508.763.8011 ext. 220.