Success Stories
“I found out about the Welding Boot Camp through my sister-in-law, who heard about it through her involvement with vocational training in Racine County,” recalled Dave Thomas. Thomas, of Racine, was looking to change jobs and find a career that offered steady, secure employment. “I was looking forward to learning more about welding, but I was a little hesitant about going back to school,” said Thomas. Already familiar with basic welding equipment and processes through his time spent in the military, Thomas was going to focus on improving his technique and learning more about welding applications. “I like learning about the industry, too, how it is changing…incorporating Lean concepts to help eliminate extra cost to the customer.” Thomas’ experience in the Boot Camp has been positive, “This program is well put together…I would recommend it for anyone wanting to get into welding.” The rigors of the program have not presented any problems for Thomas, who understands the intent is to mimic a real workplace. “It is about preparing you technically, and getting you job-ready.” The hardest part of the program, for him, was waiting to hear if he had been accepted into the Boot Camp. Once in the program, he found it to be exactly as it was presented during the orientation. “There were no surprises, it is as they told us it would be, right down to the math skills we would be using and the amount of time we spend in the welding lab.” Once he completes the program, Thomas would like to specialize in TIG welding. TIG welding is a slower process than MIG welding. It produces a more precise weld and is a popular choice of welding processes when high quality, precision welding is required. Victoria Lancour was never that fond of school. “It was boring, a waste of time,” Victoria recalled. The Burlington resident was willing to try school one more time when she came across the CNC Boot Camp on the Gateway website. “I was looking for training for a career. The Boot Camp appealed to me because it would prepare me for a career in just fourteen weeks." Victoria easily passed the basic skills assessment tests required prior to enrolling in the Boot Camp. She found that being one of the few women who have enrolled in any of the Boot Camps did not present any particular challenges. “The class is very supportive. We work with, and learn from each other,” said Victoria. According to her, the best part of the Boot Camp, in addition to being a quick-training program for an in-demand job, was that it was fun. “I was very surprised. I had no idea the hands-on training would be so much fun. I used to hate school.” Hands-on experience is one component of the Boot Camp; the other component, classroom learning, presented more of a challenge for Victoria. “The hardest part of the program is making sure the homework gets done,” said Victoria. The Boot Camp curriculum includes job-readiness skills. Recently, representatives from the Workforce Development Center held a workshop on interviewing skills. “It’s just so great that the Boot Camp not only gives you the hands-on training, but also helps you prepare for the process of getting a job.” Victoria is excited about her new career, “Becoming a CNC Operator is a starting point. I would like to continue on and become CNC programmer.” The Boot Camp has changed Victoria ’s mind about school, “This is so cool. I never knew learning could be so fun.” 
Dave Thomas on the Welding Boot Camp: Hardest Part was Waiting
CNC Boot Camp: Changing a Mindset, Finding a Passion
Updated: 5/30/2008 | Comment about this page.
