The Peru Gazette

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Plattsburgh, NY (September 29, 2026) — The North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College are celebrating the latest graduating class of the North Country Welding Academy, while looking ahead to continued training opportunities designed to strengthen the region’s manufacturing workforce.

Nine participants recently completed the intensive three-week Welding Academy, which began September 9 and included fullday training Monday through Friday. The program provides participants with hands-on instruction and practical skills aligned with the needs of manufacturers and other employers throughout the North Country. This was the 3 round of welders to graduate from this program.

Training includes welding safety and symbolization, measurements for fabrication, blueprint and shop drawing reading, MIG welding on carbon and stainless steel, Flux Core Arc Welding on carbon steel, welding inspection and equipment troubleshooting.

This class also marks the first Welding Academy graduating under IAM Welding Instructor Bill Giovacco, who will continue leading welding training as the Chamber and IAM expand the program.

“Our Welding Academy continues to be a great collaboration between the North Country Chamber and the IAM at Clinton Community College,” says Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “It is a direct response to the needs of our manufacturers, providing skilled workers for our employers while enhancing career opportunities for many North Country residents. We congratulate the latest cohort of graduates while thanking two special partners: State Senator Jeremy Cooney, Senate Transportation Chair, for continued funding of the training program, and retired State Senator Neil Breslin, who provided funding through our Chamber to update the IAM’s welding equipment. We look forward to carrying on with future sessions while soon accessing further funding for other manufacturing-related training. Onward and upward!”

The partnership has also benefited from important investments in the equipment and resources necessary to provide handson training. Before leaving office at the end of 2024, former State Senator Neil Breslin provided $50,000 in workforce development capital funding to the North Country Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber directed those funds to the IAM, where they were used to purchase three new welding machines to support the Welding Academy and future training programs.

Additional support from State Senator Jeremy Cooney helped fund the current Welding Academy and supports the continued delivery of workforce training opportunities in the region.

“The North Country Welding Academy offers a dynamic learning structure to train individuals in basic and cutting-edge welding techniques and to provide them with the advanced skills needed in today’s manufacturing industry,” says Billy Jones, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Workforce Development at IAM. “The Academy also provides career pathways for individuals in welding and machining through our partnerships with several businesses in the region. I want to thank the North Country Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration and continuing this important partnership, which benefits our region’s workforce, businesses and overall economy.”

The Welding Academy was developed in response to an ongoing need for skilled welders among manufacturers and businesses across the North Country. By combining intensive hands-on instruction with industry partnerships, the program is designed to prepare participants for employment while helping area employers develop the skilled workforce needed to grow and remain competitive.

The September graduates are just the beginning of the partnership’s next phase. The Chamber and IAM are planning at least four additional Welding Academy sessions over the next 10 months, with the next three-week Academy scheduled to begin October 19.

The North Country Chamber and IAM will continue working with regional manufacturers and workforce partners to identify training needs and develop programs that connect North Country residents with career opportunities while helping employers fill critical skilled positions.