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Lincoln Trail College’s Welding program recently received a generous donation from Nucor Skyline, further strengthening the partnership between the college and industry leaders.
The donation will provide critical resources for the Welding program, specifically supporting the purchase of steel used in lab and hands-on training portions of the welding classes. The contribution comes in response to discussions during a recent Welding advisory committee meeting, where industry partners were made aware of the rising costs of materials and equipment.
“During our recent Welding advisory committee meeting this fall, we let our community partners know what supplies and equipment we require to provide classes to our students,” said Amy Tarr, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Associate Dean of Instruction. “The rising cost of resources was discussed, and we let them know that we gladly accept donations from our industry partners.”
Tarr emphasized the value of industry partnerships, noting that they help the college stay current with advancements in the welding industry. “Our industry partners are our source to the latest in advancements and training needed in this fast-growing and ever-changing industry. By forging these partnerships, we are staying up to date and allowing our students to see what the local workforce is in their area.”
Eric Pitts, Quality Control Manager at Nucor Skyline, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives and building relationships with the local community.
“Nucor Skyline was invited to the Welding program’s advisory board meeting in November,” Pitts said. “In talking with staff and instructors, it became apparent that additional funding would be beneficial to the program so they could keep providing quality instruction to the welding technology students.”
Pitts further expressed Nucor Skyline’s desire to help students prepare for careers in the welding industry. “Nucor Skyline believes in being a good neighbor and giving back to the communities where we are located. We also believe it is important to support students looking to begin a career in the welding industry, no matter what direction their path may take them. We hope to continue and expand our relationship not only financially, but also by sourcing and procuring materials, offering advice from industry experts, and providing direct communication to students regarding welding, safety, and opportunities in the field.”
Lincoln Trail College President Tona Ambrose underscored the significance of the connection between Nucor Skyline and the college, especially as one of the company’s representatives, Tanner Holt, is an LTC alumnus.
“It’s inspiring to see how our graduates give back to the college and community that helped shape their careers,” said Ambrose. “When we can build these meaningful partnerships, our students benefit by gaining access to essential resources, industry expertise, and opportunities for real-world training.”
Nucor Skyline is part of Nucor Corporation, the largest steel manufacturer in the United States. The company produces approximately 20 million tons of steel annually and employs more than 32,000 teammates nationwide. Nucor Skyline’s Newton facility specializes in manufacturing large-diameter steel pipe for the heavy foundation market, supplying projects across the country.
