DMACC Welding Program Faces Instructor Shortage as Students Shift to Other Courses

The Nevada Community School Board addressed a significant challenge during their recent meeting on August 15, 2025, regarding the welding program's future. The board learned that Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) will not provide an instructor for the upcoming fall semester, leading to the reassignment of six or seven students to alternative courses. This decision has raised concerns, as the welding program has been a successful offering for nearly a decade.

The absence of an instructor stems from a recent change in DMACC's administration, which deemed the current instructor unqualified unless he completes additional courses. Despite his extensive experience as a master welder, the instructor's request to test out of these requirements was denied. The board expressed disappointment over this development, emphasizing the program's historical success and the impact on students.

Efforts to find a replacement instructor have been challenging. Conversations with local industry contacts yielded no viable candidates, as potential instructors either lack the necessary certifications or are not fully committed to running the program independently. The board remains hopeful that a qualified instructor can be secured for the spring semester, allowing the program to resume.

In addition to the welding program discussion, the meeting touched on staffing changes in other vocational programs, including HVAC. The board noted that an instructor's recent resignation had left students uncertain about the program's continuation, highlighting broader staffing challenges within vocational education.

The Nevada Community School Board is committed to reinstating the welding program as soon as a qualified instructor is found, underscoring the importance of vocational training in preparing students for successful careers. The board will continue to explore options and maintain communication with DMACC to ensure that students have access to quality educational opportunities.