WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today announced the launch of a new Welding Training Program, developed in partnership with Senesco Marine, a leading shipbuilding and marine fabrication company based in North Kingstown, and Polaris MEP, Rhode Island's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. The program is designed to prepare Rhode Islanders for careers in manufacturing, construction, fabrication and shipbuilding environments as welders. The cost is free for those who qualify and classes will begin on Sept. 14, with Funding provided through the EDA’s Good Job program for the Ocean Tech Works program.

The 14-week program offers hands-on training using industry-standard equipment in Senseco’s onsite welding lab, giving students direct experience with the techniques and safety practices employers are actively seeking. Students will train will graduate with an OSHA 10 General Industry credential and a CCRI Certificate of Completion.

"This program reflects what CCRI does best: partnering directly with employers to build high-quality, industry-driven curriculum that leads to good-paying careers. Our collaboration with Senesco Marine and Polaris MEP ensures this training is grounded in the real needs of Rhode Island's manufacturing and maritime sectors,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “As the state's workforce engine, CCRI remains committed to equipping Rhode Islanders with the skills to fill these critical roles and strengthen our economy for years to come."

The program was created in direct response to workforce needs identified by Senesco Marine, with support from Polaris MEP in connecting CCRI's curriculum to the real-time needs of Rhode Island's manufacturing sector, ensuring students graduate with the skills local employers are actively hiring for.

“At Senesco Marine, we know firsthand the growing demand for skilled welders and fabricators across Rhode Island's manufacturing and maritime industries," said Ted Williams, President of Senesco Marine. "We're proud to partner with CCRI and Polaris MEP to create a hands-on training program that provides students with real-world experience using the same equipment, processes, and safety standards they will encounter in the workplace. This program will help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople while strengthening the workforce pipeline that is critical to our industry and our state's economy.”

“Senesco Marine is one of the Northeast's premier shipbuilders and a cornerstone of Rhode Island's maritime manufacturing industry,” said Christian Cowan, Executive Director of Polaris. “Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and workforce development is reflected in this welding training program. We are proud to partner with Senesco Marine and CCRI to prepare the next generation of skilled welders, strengthening both Senesco's workforce and the broader talent pipeline that supports Rhode Island's growing Ocean Economy and defense manufacturing sectors.”

Students will train in OSHA 10 General Industry standards, shop safety and PPE, SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux Core), and GTAW (TIG) welding, oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, blueprint reading and weld symbols, and metal fabrication and fit-up. The program also includes preparation for the AWS D1.1 performance qualification testing in FCAW, GMAW, and GMAW-S welding processes across horizontal and vertical positions, along with resume development and interview preparation to support graduates as they enter the job market.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level positions including welder, fabricator, structural welder, production welder, shipyard welder, and manufacturing welder -- roles in high demand across Rhode Island's manufacturing and maritime industries.

The program reflects CCRI's ongoing commitment to workforce development and its role as a direct pipeline between Rhode Island residents and the state's growing industries. Small class sizes, experienced instructors, and employer connections are designed to give students not only technical training, but direct pathways into the workforce.

Enrollment is now open for the inaugural cohort, which begins on September 14th. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at the program's webpage.

About Senesco Marine
Senesco Marine is a premier shipbuilding company located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Since 1999, Senesco has built a reputation for delivering complex commercial, government, and specialty marine vessels, as well as providing advanced steel fabrication and repair services for customers throughout the United States. With waterfront facilities, a highly skilled workforce, and a commitment to quality, safety, and workforce development, Senesco supports the growth of the domestic maritime industry while helping strengthen Rhode Island's manufacturing economy.

About Polaris MEP
Polaris MEP is Rhode Island’s nonprofit dedicated to helping small and medium-sized manufacturing and emerging technology businesses achieve lasting growth, while creating access to high-growth career pathways for underserved individuals. As a trusted advisor, Polaris MEP delivers hands-on technical assistance and practical guidance to address challenges in sales, innovation, operational efficiency, and workforce development. An affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, Polaris MEP draws on years of experience and local, regional, and national resources to guide companies to proven strategies and best practices that drive results and foster economic development. Visit www.polarismep.org