Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

BILLINGS - Eastern Montana's energy boom is benefiting the state with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenues.

MSU-Billings College of Technology welding instructor, Bob Blackwell says that there's a growing demand for qualified welders.

"What I'm seeing is actually a tremendous growth in the industry, and most of it is energy related."

United Associated Local 30 welding instructor, Vern Watson agrees.

"Oh yes, yes. Especially with this energy, so called, boom that the Bakken is bringing in. You have to realize that it's not only pipe-fitters that's involved in this, but there's tank people, there's tons of welding to be done out there."

In fact, according to Billings Jobs Services, there are dozens of welding jobs currently listed. Come spring, they're expecting that number to increase.

The energy boom is a large part of the growing demand, but Blackwell points out it's also an aging workforce.

"If you look at welders, the average age is 57-58 years of age. So, we're all moving towards retirement and there's been this huge gap where nobody's come into it."

In an effort to spark the interest in welding, both the Local 30 and MSU-Billings COT provide courses for potential, future welders.

"We offer a certificate, which is a one year. And then we offer an AAS, which would be a two-year," explains Blackwell.

The Local 30 offers a 16 week, fast-track course for people who can devote four months to learning the skills needed to become a certified welder.

"My ultimate goal is to be able to weld two inch pipe, get my UA 21 certification so I can actually go out and weld on a job," says Local 30 welding student, Jake Kostelesky.

Classmate, Lisa Moon is also eager to get through the course.

"We're going to test out in about five weeks. And then we can get into a job."

Before a certified welder can work independently, they must first complete 8,500 hours of on the job training.

"After your five year apprenticeship, you'll be able to go out as a journeyman and work anywhere in the United States," Watson explains.

Although the industry is in high demand of welders, Blackwell encourages prospects to make sure the job is a good fit.

"You better be able to figure out if you like it or not, because it is a lot of dirty work."

Among the companies in need of welders, Bay Limited Montana in Billings will soon hire hundreds of new workers.

The company was recently awarded a major contract and plans to hire 250 pipe-fitters and welders.

The company fabricates steel tanks and has been working to secure a contract to build oil refining modules for the Alberta oil sands.

Under the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF), the company could receive more than $1 million for the creation of primary sector jobs.

Montana's BSTF grant program is designed to give incentive to new and existing companies in Montana to hire additional employees.

The state is expected to make a decision whether to approve Bay's grant application in the near future.