Have you ever wanted to learn how to weld but weren't sure where to start? This one-day introductory workshop is designed for complete beginners who want to explore the fundamentals of welding in a safe, supportive, and hands-on environment.

Date: Sunday, August 16th, 8:30am - 3:30pm

No prior welding experience is required. Gear package is included. 

Required Pre-Workshop Preparation: To maximize hands-on learning time, before attending the workshop, all participants must watch the following short, instructional videos. These videos introduce basic welding concepts, shop safety expectations, and equipment operation. 

• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/electric-shock
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/fumes-gases
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/fire-explosions
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/ppe

Participants will learn basic welding techniques, shop safety, tool operation, and metal preparation while creating a small project of their choice. Whether you're interested in crafting a practical item for your home or designing a unique artistic piece, this workshop will provide the skills and confidence to get started. 

By the end of the day, you'll leave with a completed project and a foundation of welding knowledge that can be applied to future projects. Students who enjoy this introductory experience will have the opportunity to continue their learning in a follow-up workshop focused on expanding welding skills and creating more advanced creative or functional pieces. There are also additional welding courses that run between 5 to 6 weeks.

If you have small pieces of scrap metal at home you want to bring in, feel free to do so.

The tuition includes your own welding gear that consists of a welding helmet, a cap, MIG gloves, TIG gloves, welding jacket, weld cleaning tool, chipping hammer, pliers, safety glasses and a gear bag for all of your equipment. Please indicate your size for a welding jacket (runs M - 3XL) by emailing careertraining@maplerun.org.

Looking for funding? Please reach out to the following resources:

1. VSAC's Advancement Grant. Call them at 800-642-3177 or email mcgovern@vsac.org. Ask for the grants department, you're not looking for a student loan. 

2. Department of Labor. Call (802) 524-6585 and say you're looking for money to enroll in a training program. 

3. Hireability. Call 802-524-7950. Disability affects all of us eventually—whether we’re born with it, experience disability through illness, accident, or aging, or have a loved one or colleague with a disabling condition. And when disability gets in the way of productive work, that’s when HireAbility Vermont steps in.

4. You can always ask your employer if they have training funds.

Instructor: Louisa Ulrich-Verderber has been a welding artist for over 15 years. Beginning at the age of 12, Louisa has been making metal sculptures big and small ever since. Most of her work was donated to charity auctions throughout Franklin County, raising nearly $100,000 for local organizations. See her work at her gallery website: https://www.beaspark.com/

Monday and Wednesday evening classes run from September 9 (starts on a Wed) - October 12 (ends on a Mon) (5 weeks).

5:30 – 8:30pm, 30 hours

Includes your own welding gear. The package includes a welding helmet, a cap, MIG gloves, TIG gloves, welding jacket, weld cleaning tool, chipping hammer, pliers, safety glasses and a gear bag for all of your equipment. Please indicate your size for a welding jacket (runs M - 3XL) by emailing careertraining@maplerun.org.

Designed for beginners, the course can also be tailored to individuals seeking more advanced training.  This course introduces four types of welding: AC/DC stick, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG); and Oxygen-Acetylene. Students learn to demonstrate proficiency in horizontal and vertical applications. Oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting will also be covered. 

Link to cancelation policy.

Need funding? Don't let the price of the course stop you. There are plenty of funding opportunities:

1. VSAC's Advancement Grant. Call them at 800-642-3177 or email mcgovern@vsac.org. Ask for the grants department, you're not looking for a student loan. 

2. Department of Labor. Call (802) 524-6585 and say you're looking for money to enroll in a training program. 

3. Hireability. Call 802-524-7950. Disability affects all of us eventually—whether we’re born with it, experience disability through illness, accident, or aging, or have a loved one or colleague with a disabling condition. And when disability gets in the way of productive work, that’s when HireAbility Vermont steps in.

4. Pathstone in St. Albans. Call 802-373-2855 or email PLacey@pathstone.org. Provides funding for training that leads to meaningful employment in desired career pathways.

5. You can always ask your employer if they have training funds.

Monday and Wednesday evening classes run from September 9 (starts on a Wed) - October 12 (ends on a Mon) (5 weeks).

5:30 – 8:30pm, 30 hours

This course does not include your own welding gear. You can borrow a helmet, jacket, gloves and glasses. 

Designed for beginners, the course can also be tailored to individuals seeking more advanced training.  This course introduces four types of welding: AC/DC stick, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG); and Oxygen-Acetylene. Students learn to demonstrate proficiency in horizontal and vertical applications. Oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting will also be covered. 

Link to cancelation policy.

Need funding? Don't let the price of the course stop you. There are plenty of funding opportunities:

1. VSAC's Advancement Grant. Call them at 800-642-3177 or email mcgovern@vsac.org. Ask for the grants department, you're not looking for a student loan. 

2. Department of Labor. Call (802) 524-6585 and say you're looking for money to enroll in a training program. 

3. Hireability. Call 802-524-7950. Disability affects all of us eventually—whether we’re born with it, experience disability through illness, accident, or aging, or have a loved one or colleague with a disabling condition. And when disability gets in the way of productive work, that’s when HireAbility Vermont steps in.

4. Pathstone in St. Albans. Call 802-373-2855 or email PLacey@pathstone.org. Provides funding for training that leads to meaningful employment in desired career pathways.

5. You can always ask your employer if they have training funds.

Ready to take your welding skills to the next level? This one-day workshop is designed for students who have completed our Introduction to Creative & Practical Welding course or have equivalent basic welding experience.

Date: Saturday, September 20th, 8:30am - 3:30pm

Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Creative & Practical Welding or equivalent basic welding experience.

Bring your own welding gear. Need to purchase a gear package? Please email careertraining@maplerun.org for information.

Required Pre-Workshop Preparation: To maximize hands-on learning time, before attending the workshop, all participants must watch the following short, instructional videos. These videos introduce basic welding concepts, shop safety expectations, and equipment operation. 

• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/electric-shock
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/fumes-gases
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/fire-explosions
• http://lincolnelectricehs.isebox.net/welding-safety/ppe

Participants will build upon foundational welding techniques while exploring new methods for creating stronger, cleaner welds and more complex projects. Students will have the opportunity to design and construct a more detailed practical or artistic piece while receiving individualized guidance and instruction.

This hands-on workshop emphasizes creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving as students refine their welding skills and gain confidence working independently. Whether your goal is to create functional items for your home, unique gifts, or artistic metal sculptures, this course will help you move from beginner projects to more advanced creations.

Topics may include:

• Refining welding techniques and improving weld quality
• Joint design and fabrication methodsProject planning and metal preparation
• Adding decorative and artistic elements
• Finishing techniques for professional-looking results
• Safe shop practices and equipment use

Students are encouraged to bring project ideas and small pieces of scrap metal they would like to incorporate into their work.

Looking for funding? Please reach out to the following resources:

1. VSAC's Advancement Grant. Call them at 800-642-3177 or email mcgovern@vsac.org. Ask for the grants department, you're not looking for a student loan. 

2. Department of Labor. Call (802) 524-6585 and say you're looking for money to enroll in a training program. 

3. Hireability. Call 802-524-7950. Disability affects all of us eventually—whether we’re born with it, experience disability through illness, accident, or aging, or have a loved one or colleague with a disabling condition. And when disability gets in the way of productive work, that’s when HireAbility Vermont steps in.

4. You can always ask your employer if they have training funds.

Instructor: Louisa Ulrich-Verderber has been a welding artist for over 15 years. Beginning at the age of 12, Louisa has been making metal sculptures big and small ever since. Most of her work was donated to charity auctions throughout Franklin County, raising nearly $100,000 for local organizations. See her work at her gallery website: https://www.beaspark.com/

Register for a hands-on learning environment designed specifically for those new to welding! This 18-hour course runs on six Saturdays from October 3, 2025 – November 7, 2026, from 8 AM to 11 AM. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course covers the fundamentals of welding, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, along with essential safety practices and metal fabrication techniques. Gain confidence, build technical skills, and explore career opportunities in a high-demand trade. No prior experience is required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn!

The tuition includes your own welding gear that consists of a welding helmet, a cap, MIG gloves, TIG gloves, welding jacket, weld cleaning tool, chipping hammer, pliers, safety glasses and a gear bag for all of your equipment. Please indicate your size for a welding jacket (runs M - 3XL) by emailing careertraining@maplerun.org.

Link to cancelation policy.

Looking for funding? Please reach out to the following resources:

1. VSAC's Advancement Grant. Call them at 800-642-3177 or email mcgovern@vsac.org. Ask for the grants department, you're not looking for a student loan. 

2. Department of Labor. Call (802) 524-6585 and say you're looking for money to enroll in a training program. 

3. Hireability. Call 802-524-7950. Disability affects all of us eventually—whether we’re born with it, experience disability through illness, accident, or aging, or have a loved one or colleague with a disabling condition. And when disability gets in the way of productive work, that’s when HireAbility Vermont steps in.

4. You can always ask your employer if they have training funds.