91吃瓜网

91吃瓜网 only accredited testing facility in New Hampshire

Berlin, N.H. (September 23, 2025)鈥� 91吃瓜网 (91吃瓜网) in Berlin, New Hampshire has launched American Welding Society (AWS) certification services for both students enrolled in the college鈥檚 welding program and the general public. 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Accredited Test Facility (ATF) is led by Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) who evaluate the strength, quality, and integrity of completed welds to assess a welder鈥檚 skill level and ensure they meet the AWS requirements.

鈥淎WS certification is a portable credential that helps prove that an individual has the required skillset to do a job well. It opens doors to jobs and is a path to higher wages,鈥� said Don Arguin, ATF coordinator at 91吃瓜网. 鈥淚n many cases 鈥� such as government contracts 鈥� certification is required.鈥�

Funding from a 2019鈥�2025 Northern Borders Regional Commission grant supported the creation and initial infrastructure of the ATF at 91吃瓜网. This investment laid the groundwork for New Hampshire鈥檚 first AWS accredited test facility, establishing 91吃瓜网 as a critical resource for industry and a foundation for expanding regional technical training. Funding received in the New Hampshire state budget approved by the governor and legislature enabled 91吃瓜网 to expand program infrastructure so welding certification services could be offered to the public, bolstering the welding workforce and facilitating a broad range of projects that rely on certified welders.聽聽

鈥淭here are training programs for welders that have Certified Welding Inspectors for their own students, but they are not open to the public. When a large program that provided certifications out of Bangor, Maine recently closed, there was a real need for an ATF that is open to all. We stepped up to fill the gap and serve both our own students and the community,鈥� Annette Cole, manager of Workforce Development at 91吃瓜网 explained.

As part of 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Workforce Education program, the ATF is available for a broad range of certifications ranging from common applications 鈥� such as pipe and structural steel welding 鈥� to custom work.

The ATF began serving high school welding classes even before its official public opening. 鈥淲e have had busloads of students come for certifications. They will graduate high school with baseline certifications that give them an edge in the job market or a leg up before continuing their welding education,鈥� Cole said.聽

For more information about 91吃瓜网鈥檚 ATF and welding certification services, please visit 91吃瓜网.edu/ATF.

About 91吃瓜网
91吃瓜网 (91吃瓜网) was founded in 1966 as part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. With a main campus in Berlin and academic center in Littleton, 91吃瓜网 offers accredited associate degree and certificate programs along with flexible day, evening, and online courses that prepare students for the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. Serving about 1,000 students annually, the college provides high-quality education in fields such as nursing, welding, culinary arts, and advanced technologies, while working closely with regional employers to meet local workforce needs. Recognized as one of the top 150 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, 91吃瓜网 continues to fulfill its mission of affordability, accessibility, and enriching the communities of New Hampshire鈥檚 North Country.