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Chesapeake College outlines plans to expand trades, bring mobile welding lab to Cambridge Center
Summary
Chesapeake College told the Dorchester County Council it has expanded trades programming at the Cambridge Center — including national accreditation, a mobile welding lab arriving Feb. 23, and articulation with regional technical colleges — aimed at training local residents for skilled jobs.
Chesapeake College representatives on Monday told the Dorchester County Council they have expanded workforce and trades programming at the Cambridge Center, including a newly accredited pathway in construction trades and a mobile welding lab scheduled to arrive Feb. 23.
Cliff Copperson, representing Chesapeake College, introduced Amber McGinnis, the college’s grants and advancement lead, and Chuck Davis, director of skilled trades, who outlined program growth that college officials said is increasing enrollment among Dorchester County residents and building stronger ties with Dorchester County Public Schools.
"My primary role at the college is really overseeing our, larger grant strategy," Amber McGinnis said, noting the college uses private funds and state education grants to cover tuition and support scholarships. McGinnis told the council that short-term trades training tuition in the current model is "about $4,800 a student." She said some tuition and transportation for cohorts is fully covered by grant funding.
Davis described a "Road to Careers" grant supporting an introductory construction cohort of 60 students and said the college has created a mobile welding training lab that seats eight students. "On February 23, I invite all of you to come out to the back of the Cambridge Center to see this beast," Davis said of the 53-foot mobile lab, which the college said includes eight booths, full ventilation, and certification pathways for students who complete the training.
The presentation also covered on-campus changes: a converted lab for construction trades, planned introduction of SolidWorks user certification, an advanced manufacturing lab opening in Cambridge, and expansion of marine trades training with ABYC and Yamaha certifications. Davis said the college recently earned accreditation from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), meaning certifications are nationally portable.
Council members praised the repurposed space and suggested negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Dorchester County Technical Center (DCTC) to coordinate student transitions. Dr. Copper Smith thanked the council for its support and noted regional partnerships, while the college invited council members to tour the facilities.
The presentation concluded with council appreciation and an offer from the college to assist students who need scholarships or other support to enroll in trades programs.
