New Workforce Courses Bring Trade Skills to Silver Valley
North Idaho College is expanding its workforce training offerings by bringing introductory welding and laser engraving courses directly to Kellogg High School, making hands-on trade instruction accessible without requiring students to travel outside the Silver Valley.
The program, operated through NIC’s Workforce Training Center, will offer three separate introductory courses starting this summer. An introductory TIG welding class begins July 20, followed by laser engraving instruction starting Aug. 3, with stick welding courses launching Sept. 14. All classes are held at Kellogg High School.
The introductory courses do not provide industry certification but are designed to give participants foundational skills and confidence working with professional equipment. According to Ken Rolle, the workforce development program manager, the courses serve as an entry point for those considering a trade career. “These classes create a first step for people who want to explore a trade, build confidence with tools and equipment,” Rolle said.
Experienced Instructor Brings Decades of Trade Background
Instruction is led by Cory North, a retired Idaho Army National Guard soldier with 20 years of military service. North brings substantial professional experience to the classroom, having worked as an auto mechanic for 29 years and as a welder-fabricator for 10 years.
The TIG welding course covers gas tungsten arc welding techniques, including equipment setup, tungsten selection, and shielding gas procedures. Students will practice welding both steel and aluminum under professional guidance.
The laser engraving program teaches laser safety protocols, machine operation, material selection, and design workflow. Participants will work with wood, acrylic, leather, and coated metals, gaining practical experience with materials commonly used in custom engraving and cutting applications.
The stick welding course, beginning in mid-September, focuses on structural steel welding fundamentals and covers AC/DC welding machine operation using 7018 and 6010 welding rods.
Local Access to Workforce Development
Rolle emphasized the value of delivering trade training within the community. “It’s exciting because students don’t have to leave the Silver Valley to get that hands-on experience,” he said.
The programs reflect a broader emphasis on workforce development in North Idaho. Regional schools and community colleges have increasingly partnered to offer vocational training that prepares students for high-demand trades while keeping educational opportunities local.
Prospective students interested in the welding or laser engraving courses can register through the college’s website at nic.edu/welding. The introductory format allows participants to test their interest in these trades before pursuing advanced certifications or degree programs.