Kenn Forbes is relatively new to welding, but is learning quickly
To help advance his career as a mechanic at Delta Air Lines, Kenn Forbes turned to Schoolcraft College’s Welding Fabrication Technology program to help him earn credentials. Forbes had some welding experience, but his hard work in the classroom combined with first-rate instructors accelerated his development – so much so that Forbes was selected for the Project MFG National Welding Competition and placed 10th overall out of 200 students.
“I was definitely shocked to be selected, but it also meant a lot to be considered for it,” Forbes said. “I’m still relatively new to welding.”
The competition, held June 28 at the WSU Tech campus at the National Center for Aviation Training in Wichita, Kansas, included Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) as well as tests.
Forbes, who started at Schoolcraft College in the fall of 2021 and is tracking toward the Fabrication Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree, already has earned two American Welding Society certifications.
“I had done a little welding with some friends in their garages – nothing serious or in-depth like I’ve gotten from Schoolcraft,” said Forbes, a 2003 graduate of Redford Union High School. “I really got heavily into welding to help further my career and to learn new skills. I love the creativity that welding can bring as well as the ability to build or repair so many things.”
Schoolcraft College’s welding program provides students with hands-on welding skills and knowledge of metallurgy and other materials. The program offers two welding certificates in addition to the associate degree in applied science. Class sizes are limited so instructors can work closely with students to provide that hands-on training and relay knowledge of analytical skills required by modern industrial technology. Learn more about the Welding Technology program.
“Kenn has a great work ethic and is hungry to learn,” said Coley McLean, Professor and Faculty Representative for the Welding Technology department. “He started in welding because it was meaningful for him to be able to advance his career, which makes him easy to work with. He asks a lot of pertinent questions, and he plays the role of a mentor to our younger students.”
Forbes encourages others to check out the Welding program at Schoolcraft College.
“If anyone out there wants to have the best education in this field then they should enroll here,” he said. “We are so lucky to have not just this amazing facility to work/ learn out of, but the instructors are seriously the best.
“I’ve only had two semesters so far, but I can say the experience and knowledge that they bring is unrivaled. Coley McLean, Deb Stuart, Don Neilson, and Clyde Hall (the four I’ve had) are great to work with and have a vast background in the field. Peter Lanczak, my certification instructor, was tremendous as well.”
Registration for the Fall 2022 semester is now open. Classes start Monday, August 29. Go to schoolcraft.edu for more information.