BELFAST — Waldo County Technical Center (WCTC) students from Welding Technology, Small Engines Repair, Diesel Technology, Auto Collision/Composites and Automotive Technology received safety training on torches and gasses used in the welding industry, thanks to Airgas USA.

Teddy Harris, manager of the Airgas Bangor branch, and Josh Richardson, Welding Process Specialist, donated their time to provide two, two-hour classes and live demonstrations on proper handling of gasses and torches at no cost to the school. Airgas provides safety training at technical centers and community colleges across the state. According to WCTC, in a news release, Harris stated that these trainings make for safer work environments both on the job and when working with gasses on family farms and in home workshops.  

More than 80 WCTC students acquired Airgas torch safety training with industry standards for safe handling of gasses and how to utilize torches. This training is a stackable credential that can be added to students’ resumes as they seek careers in their chosen fields, or pursue post secondary education, according to the release.