ROCHESTER – Old Colony Regional School District is offering two adult education courses in welding and culinary arts called the Old Colony Technical Institute (OCTI). 

This is part of their ongoing partnership with MassHire, Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, and the New Bedford Career Center.

These two hands-on courses will engage students in a basic understanding of these trades and address the shortage of qualified and skilled tradespeople in the fields. Students in the class have an opportunity to gain vocational hands-on experience, followed by local job placement.

The two-hundred-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 two-hundred-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 Jan. 10, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. This is a free opportunity but space is limited to ten individuals per class, so those interested must apply ahead.

This OCTI program will begin Jan. 17 through April 5, 2023, Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Old Colony for a ten-week training, followed by an externship at outside placements. The onsite training will end on April 5, 2023.

For additional information, contact Dr. Cynthia Marland at cmarland@oldcolony.info or call 508.763.8011 ext. 220.