Loretta Viens of Salisbury was a single mom who had been unemployed for months due to COVID-19 before submitting an application to study metal fabrication. She had been looking for a job while helping her 7-year-old son, Jaxon, with virtual learning.

Loretta Viens.

Viens Welding.

After completing the metal fabrication training program in March, she said “my confidence sky-rocketed thanks to my instructor.” Viens said that not long after completing the training, she obtained a job at Delaware Elevator in Salisbury. “Thanks to my supervisors and co-workers, I’m continuing to grow and learn — including how to operate a forklift and a crane, as well as additional welding skills,” Viens said. “I passed my weld test, so now I am a certified welder. All I can say is thank you for offering this opportunity, especially to single parents like myself to better our lives.”

According to Dr. Rhonda W. Banks, director of CEWD business and industry training at Wor-Wic, students are taught the basics of welding as they learn to fabricate metal. Once Viens was hired by Delaware Elevator as a metal fabricator, she was able to obtain additional welding skills on the job so that she could pass a welding qualification exam.

The program is offered through a partnership with Arcon Welding Services, Crystal Steel and Quality Staffing Services, the agency that selects the candidates for training. “I’m so proud of her,” said Karen Jones, staffing specialist at Quality Staffing Services. “I can remember our initial interview — she was so timid and would barely look me in the eye. All she knew at that point was ‘I really want this!’ Her story is truly remarkable — hard work and dedication really do pay off.”

The course was free due to funding provided by the EARN Maryland grant program administered by the Maryland Department of Labor. For more information on metal fabrication or welding, call 410-334-2815.