When Ralph Bavaro smiles, he lights up the room. He radiates such an easygoing, affable presence that it’s hard not to grin with him. But, when he eases the mask down on his flame-laden welding helmet, his demeanor reflects the confidence of a person who literally knows how to light up a room. It’s almost as if he becomes a superhero of sorts who is about to test the mettle of his next challenger.
Welcome to the world of welding.
Ralph Bavaro
In addition to being the Lead Welding Trainer for National Grid’s entire Northeast region, Mr. Bavaro also acts as the Lead Welding Trainer for Suffolk County Community College’s Welding Program. With upwards of 30 years of real-world industry experience, he has received numerous citations and accolades, including recognition as a Certified Welding Inspector and Test Supervisor by the American Welding Society (AWS). However, he seems to be most proud of his work with students.
“What makes me happy is seeing my students gain knowledge and expertise in this field,” he says. “When they leave the program, I know that they are well-trained and ready to take advantage of the many opportunities out there.”
Expanding Opportunities for Certified Welders
In Suffolk’s semester-long program, welding students meet two nights per week and on every other Saturday. Because classes are limited to eight students, there is a great deal of individualized instruction. The program has been running for the past five years and has trained close to 150 welding students who are now working in a wide range of regional industries, including manufacturing, automotive, construction, marine repair and more. At the semester’s end, students are able to test for national certification, which increases job opportunities. “Many organizations, especially in certain industries like aerospace, defense, and bridge-building, require nationally certified welders in order to receive government contracts,” says Mr. Bavaro.
Although some people may envision welding as an occupation primarily held by men, many opportunities exist for women and, especially, veterans. “This is a field where attention to detail is essential,” says John Lombardo, Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Suffolk. “Many individuals, including veterans leaving the military, often already have learned similar skills but need certification to advance in the industry.”
Responding to Regional Needs
Aside from individual training, many regional companies depend on Suffolk for contract training to enhance the skills of current employees. For instance, Elyse Guanti, Operations Manager at EM & EM, a Hicksville, New York-based commercial chimney repair company, realized that her employees needed to obtain national welding certifications to win additional contracts. She searched high and low, and nearly concluded that she would need to send her workers to Ohio for training. However, Suffolk stepped in with a training program customized to her needs. “Sometimes the difference between winning and losing a project depends on how you stack up against the competition,” says Ms. Guanti. “Having multiple certified welders on staff certainly puts us a step ahead.”
Strong Salaries and Growth
With a national need to update infrastructure and a current welding workforce that is moving into retirement, new welders are in demand. Salaries vary and accomplished welders can do very well. “It’s not uncommon to start at $40 an hour and earn as much as $65 an hour as an experienced welder,” says Mr. Bavaro. “And depending upon the industry and the overtime allowances, some welders can earn much more.”
No experience is necessary to begin training as a welder. Students can enroll as a career opportunity or to simply gain a new hobby. Interested students are encouraged to arrange a tour of the facilities in the Workforce Technology Center on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood.
For more information, please call
631-451-4111 or visit www.sunysuffolk.edu/Enroll.
- Drew Fawcett