There's a reason welding has stood the test of time. It's a trade that rewards skill, precision, and hard work, something soldiers and their families know all about.
At Fort Riley, Manhattan Tech's welding program goes beyond teaching techniques. It gives active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families a path forward, allowing them to take the discipline and focus they've homed in the military and apply it to a career that's always in demand.
Instructor Jacob Boley knows this trade inside and out. He spent 15 years welding in the field - on the road, in manufacturing, and working jobs that required real hands-on skills. Now, as a Certified Welding Inspector and Manhattan Tech Instructor, he's making sure the next generation is ready to take on the work.
"Some of the best lessons I ever learned didn't come from a book," Boley says. "They came from the people who had been doing it for years. That's what I want to pass on."
At Fort Riley, students train in AWS D.1.1 structural steel welding, which is the same certification standard used across the industry. 16-week and 8-week courses run during the day and evening and are designed to fit around military schedules and transition plans. Whether someone is looking to build a career after service, add a valuable skill while still enlisted, or gain stability and career opportunities as a military spouse or family member, this program provides the foundation.
The need for welders has never been greater. By 2029, the industry will need over 320,000 welders, with 80,000 positions opening every year. That demand won't slow down any time soon.
Every bridge, pipeline, and structure depend on skilled hands and dedicated people who can get the job done - people who understand that welding isn't just about fusing metal. It's about keeping the world running and building something that lasts.
For those who have served, those still serving, and for their families, this program offers a chance to gain a skill that translates into stability, purpose, and a future beyond the uniform.
Classes are already underway at Fort Riley, and there's no better time to build your future. Whether advancing your skills, preparing for life after service, or supporting your family's career goals, we're here to help you make it happen. Reach out, take that first step, and let's get after it.