ACC receives hefty grant for welding department
ALPENA, Mich. — Alpena Community College received a grant to help renovate their manufacturing and welding shop. The 2.4 million dollar grant was received from the Economic Development Administration. President Don MacMaster said this will help teachers better prepare students for gainful employment.
The grant along with a $600,000 local investment expects to retain about 275 jobs and generate 15 million in private investment.
The school’s Program Advisor Tim Ratz said the lab is approximately 40 years old and improvements to specific parts of the lab have been limited.
Instructor Andrew Paad said there are a variety of job opportunities available for students upon competing the program.
Dr. MacMaster added that the Besser Company along with a few others have been a big support of employing graduates. He also said getting this grant was a collaborative effort of both Paad and Rotz but he also thanks other staff members for their contributions.
