Welding Program Earns Accreditation as AWS Test Facility

The Manatee Technical Institute Welding Department has earned accreditation from the American Welding Society, making Manatee Tech an Accredited Test Facility for AWS.

What it means is that companies in the region who need welders certified to meet contract requirements can do so locally, at great savings and convenience. Any welder in the region who wants to earn the nationally recognized AWS certification can do so at Manatee Tech.

Manatee Technical Institute is one of only four Accredited Test Facilities in the State of Florida.

“The goal is to have every MTI welding student graduate with the AWS Certification,” said Doug Wagner, director of Adult, Career and Technical Education.

The instructors responsible for earning the accreditation are James Heaton, Gary Martin, and Charles Stewart. Heaton is the Test Facility Representative; Martin is the Quality Assurance Manager; and Stewart is the Test Supervisor.

Any company in the region interested in arranging for their welders to be certified should contact Heaton at 941.751.7900 x 1121.

The Welding Career Preparation program at Manatee Tech is currently at full capacity. Interested students may join a waiting list for the next available opening.