Hobart Institute (www.welding.org) has responded to the demand for trained welders by adding 8,000 sq. ft. of training area to include two additional, large classrooms and lab space equipped with the latest technology.

Enrollment has doubled at the Institute during the last three years. That required a second shift to be added during the 2007-08 school year and accelerated the need for additional space that will accommodate 75 more students.

The Hobart Institute said it intends that the new classrooms will defer the need for a second shift in the immediate future.

The newly renovated area is accessible from an east entrance to the lower level of the building at 400 Trade Square East in Troy, Ohio, and opened with the start of training on August 4.

It houses courses for Welding Technology and Blueprint Reading and Oxyacetylene Welding that are two-week courses usually scheduled during the first month of the welding curriculum programs. Pipe Layout for Fitters and Welders also will be presented in this part of the Hobart Institute facility.

Tours of Hobart Institute may be arranged by calling 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5051 or by e-mailing hiwt@welding.org.

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is a nonprofit educational facility.