KAYSVILLE, Utah — In a standing-room-only ceremony that included a metal ribbon, welding helmets, and an oxy-fuel cutting torch, Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) opened a new Welding Technology building on its Kaysville campus. This significant expansion doubles the program’s training capacity and increases fabrication and project-based learning opportunities for the students.
Designed by CRSA, built by Gramoll Construction, and supplied with Miller Electric Manufacturing equipment, this state-of-the-art 16,925 sq. ft. facility features 70 welding bays and 10 fabrication stations. It’s also outfitted with a programmable brake press and a 6,000 kW CNC laser, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with the tools they will use in the field. To the east of the building is an 8,135 sq. ft. outside yard for material storage and a 1,800 sq. ft. covered load-in area, providing more space for training, storage, and project work.
This project came together through extensive collaboration—from faculty input and partner suggestions to the addition of new partners such as Miller Electric Manufacturing. Jim Truett, Miller Electric Manufacturing Northwest Region Manager, states, “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.”
Welding Technology Lead Faculty, Nick Price, who has been with Davis Tech for 16 years, consulted on the facility and had a few things to say about it, “We’re so proud of this new building and the cutting-edge learning space. We’ve incorporated everything to help the students be successful—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,” continues Price. “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.” Although, he thought for a second and added, “Except…I forgot the brooms. You know, 40 brooms take up a lot of space, but we’ll find room for them.”
The timing is critical. According to the American Welding Society, the U.S. is projected to need more than 320,000 new welding professionals by 2029. Locally and nationally, the push to rebuild infrastructure, expand manufacturing, and maintain metal-working capacities means communities like ours benefit directly when skilled welders are educated and ready to go to work.
Speaking at the event today, Utah Senator Jerry Stevenson supported the need for jobs and welders in Utah. “There is no economic development without a job. We can talk about it. We can throw money at it. We can create great incentives, but none of it happens without a job. And that’s what we produce here. The faculty and administration should be very proud of what you have done,” said Senator Stevenson.
He continues, “We, as a community, see this. We all need to focus on recruiting more students into this program. This is where it’s at. This is necessary if we are going to continue building the state of Utah.”
For the local community, this means a stronger pipeline of skilled workers ready to support Utah’s manufacturing, construction, and fabrication businesses. Increased welding capacity helps ensure that regional employers have access to talent and students in Davis County have the opportunity for high-wage, in-demand careers without having to leave the state.
“Richards is thrilled to have a relationship with Davis Tech and the opportunity to employ students coming from the welding program,” said partner Sterling Jenson, President and CEO of Richards Sheet Metal, a precision metal fabrication company in Ogden. “We have found them to be able to step into a role on our shop floor and make a significant contribution to the success of our company from day one.”
This new welding facility was years in the making. Driven by continued growth in demand, the facility and program expansion address capacity challenges within the Davis Tech Welding Technology program. Before construction, more than 200 students were on a waiting list, facing wait times of up to a year. With critical support from the Utah System of Higher Education and the State of Utah, Davis Technical College moved forward with this project to increase access and better serve Utah’s workforce needs.
“Welding technology plays a vital role in meeting our everyday needs and enhancing quality of life,” says Davis Tech President Darin Brush. “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. 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.”
“This new building is amazing,” says 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.”
ABOUT DAVIS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Established in 1978, Davis Technical College provides hands-on, technical education for high school and adult students in Davis and Morgan Counties. They offer certificates in the Schools of Business and Information Technology, Construction, Health Professions, Manufacturing, Service Professions, and Transportation. Their mission is to shape futures and strengthen communities through technical education. davistech.edu