High school students in Compass can now connect with a new postsecondary education option and it only takes 16 weeks before they are career-ready.
Lynnes Welding Training (LWT) in Fargo, ND, recently joined Compass and the Golden Path Solutions community, highlighting its welding education program and skills courses available at its Fargo, Bismarck, ND, and New Hope, MN, locations. LWT programs prepare students for careers in welding with specific employers, including several in Compass: TrueNorth Steel in Fargo, American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, and Fisher Industries in Dickinson, ND.
Students can now seamlessly move from learning about welding careers at regional companies to discovering more about LWT and how they can earn their American Welding Society certification to work in those roles.
“Some students want to create, build, and solve problems with their hands,” says LWT President Dave Lynnes. “Partnering with Golden Path helps us reach those students early and connect them with welding careers that are both valuable and fulfilling. By bringing Lynnes Welding Training to Golden Path, we can introduce students to these opportunities before they’re told college is their only option and help them discover another powerful path forward.”
Fostering new connections in Compass
LWT is the first postsecondary school not offering a traditional two- or four-year degree to join the Compass community. Golden Path Solutions Founder and CEO Patrick Mineer says he’s excited to help connect the school, employers, and students, fostering opportunities for everyone involved.
“Every student has unique aspirations of what they want to do after graduating from high school, whether it be entering the workforce or getting a postsecondary degree or certification,” says Golden Path Solutions Founder and CEO Patrick Mineer. “For students desiring some postsecondary training but also wanting to get into the workforce as quickly as possible, LWT is a great option. We’re excited to highlight programs like this in Compass.”
Training highly skilled future welders
All three LWT training centers provide students with the hands-on education they need to work as highly skilled welders. The school offers an exclusively welding-focused curriculum, full- and part-time class schedules, small class sizes, and hands-on experience from the first day. The program is designed to provide a high level of education in a timely manner, making it easy to students to quickly qualify for open welding positions.
TrueNorth Steel Talent Acquisition Manager Dave Terfer looks forward to how their already successful partnership with LWT will grow and strengthen by joining forces in Compass.
“We have had great success with Lynnes Welding program and the welders they produce,” Terfer says. “Their instructors bring current LWT students to our Fargo facility to see and experience what a real-world fabrication shop looks like. This allows us to showcase our culture, values, and work, while also enabling us to meet and greet each LWT student and talk about what they see for their future.”
Finding the best program for each student
The LWT program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The 16-week curriculum is a collection of courses that teach multiple welding processes. Scholarships are available and courses at both North Dakota locations are approved for veterans’ education benefits on the GI Bill.
In addition to the full certification program, the school also offers individual skills courses, typically taught in one to five weeks, to help students learn one specialized welding process.
“We see Compass as a bridge that links LWT’s programs with students actively exploring futures that align with their strengths, interests, and learning styles,” Lynnes says. “It helps us plant the seed early by ensuring high schoolers know that welding is more than just a job – it is a path to confidence, financial stability, and purpose.”
Learn more about Lynnes Welding Training. For more information about how Compass can connect your school or business to high school and college students, contact Golden Path today.