Davis Technical College opens new welding facility

KAYSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Davis Technical College has opened a new Welding Technology building, doubling the program’s training capacity.

According to the Davis Technical College, their new facility is over 16,000 square feet and offers 70 welding bays and 10 fabrication stations. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art machines that allow students to gain hands-on experience, and outdoor storage area.

The campus was a multi-organization effort with partners like Miller Electric Manufacturing.

Jim Truett, Miller Electric Manufacturing Northwest Region Manager, said, “This partnership has been a long time in the making, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Davis Tech in advancing a first-class welding program—one that will inspire and equip students from Utah and beyond to achieve exceptional success.”

Faculty members were also consulted on the new facility.

“We’re so proud of this new building and the cutting-edge learning space. We’ve incorporated everything to help the students be successful,” said Nick Price, the Welding Technology Lead Faculty at Davis Tech. “The lab has TIG workstations with Bluetooth-controlled foot pedals, fabrication stations with pins and storage areas filled with tools, a CNC laser that cuts to one inch thick, a band saw that turns at multiple angles, and more.”

“We’ve incorporated a large classroom for instruction and partner trainings, a conference room, and a student refresh area for breaks and lunch,” Price added. “From gear cubbies built into each booth to the rust-patina planter that complements the industrial design, every detail in this facility is thoughtfully planned.”

Davis Technical College stated that this new facility will help support a growing industry and that the United States is projected to need over 320,000 new welding professionals by 2029.

Additionally, before this new facility was constructed, there were over 200 students on a waiting list that were waiting for up to a year.

“In Utah, the demand for skilled welders continues to rise, and this new training center is designed to meet that need by preparing professionals with the skills required today and into the future,” Davis Tech President Darin Brush said. “Thank you to the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Legislature, our industry partners, and our dedicated faculty and staff. This facility positions us at the leading edge of welding technology education.”

Reportedly, students are also thrilled about this new building.

“This new building is amazing,” said Calamity McBride, a Davis Tech Welding Technology student, “There’s so much more room for students to practice, and the new fabrication tables and natural lighting are game changers. Training with this equipment makes me feel confident, and ready for my career.”