The McCook Community College in McCook, Neb., unveiled its new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) that features workshop laboratories dedicated to welding and machining metals.

The Center is a partnership between the McCook Community College,, McCook Public Schools, the Nebraska Department of Corrections Work Ethic Camp; Valmont Industries Inc., Phoenix Transitional Services and Nebraska Workforce Development. The Center is to provide training for welding and machine shop skills through a variety of sources.

Some of the welding equipment was purchased by McCook Community College and some by Valmont Industries, and includes two state- of-the-art pulse welders that are to be put into the welding and machining laboratory.

The program is designed to provide high school and college students courses so that they can earn a certificate, diploma or Associate of Applied Science degree in welding or machining. It is set up to provide classes to high school students in the morning, and classes for offenders or inmates at the Nebraska Department of Corrections Work Ethic Camp in the afternoon.

The program will offer a nine-week course that is to include a two-week industry internship.

Students will learn safety, oxy-fuel, stick and gas metal arc welding; print reading, measurement and quality control.