The Mobile Welding lab has been deployed to schools, hotels, community centers and many other locations.
Access can be one of the biggest barriers between a job seeker and a high-quality training opportunity. Transportation challenges, long commutes, and rigid schedules often stand in the way—even when strong programs exist. A recent Accelerated Welding cohort offered through Cutting Edge takes a different approach: instead of requiring students to come to the training, the training comes to them.
Cutting Edge, a post-secondary education provider specializing in skilled trades, is doing exactly what its name suggests—redefining how and where workforce training happens. Through a mobile welding lab, the organization can deliver hands-on, industry-recognized training directly to students in locations that are convenient, accessible, and connected to local workforce hubs.
“We can bring it to you versus you coming to us,” said Andrea Bester, owner of Cutting Edge. That flexibility, she noted, is especially impactful for schools, workforce centers, and rural communities where traditional training facilities may be out of reach.
A Welding Lab on Wheels
At the center of the program is a mobile welding truck equipped with six individual welding booths. Inside, students complete the hands-on portion of a six-week accelerated welding program that blends classroom instruction with real-world application.
According to Raheem Collis, Welding Instructor and Director for Cutting Edge, the program is designed to move quickly while maintaining high standards. The first half focuses on coursework and safety—students must earn a perfect score on the safety module—before transitioning into hands-on welding practice.
By the end of the program, students can earn certifications in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux core arc welding—credentials that open doors across manufacturing and construction industries.
Reducing Barriers, Expanding Access
For OhioMeansJobs staff working directly with job seekers, Cutting Edge’s mobile model stood out immediately.
“I think it’s more that they come to you—where you don’t have to go to them,” said Camille Daniels, Talent Development Specialist, Special Projects. She emphasized how location and convenience can make the difference between someone enrolling or opting out altogether.
Rather than asking students to navigate traffic or long cross-town commutes, the program was hosted in a central, transit-accessible location—making it easier for participants to stay engaged and on track.
That accessibility also aligns with recruitment efforts. OhioMeansJobs staff shared that participants learned about the program through social media, referrals from talent development specialists, and direct outreach to job seekers who showed interest in trades training.
From Interest to Opportunity
For student Tim Lamoreaux, the mobile welding program connected his interest in welding with a clear and practical next step. After seeing a post on LinkedIn while searching for welding jobs, he enrolled in the accelerated program to build skills that align with what he enjoys—and that employers need.
“It’s been convenient so far,” Tim shared, noting that accessibility played a key role in his experience. Like many students, he was especially eager to move into the hands-on portion of the training.
Building Community Connections
Beyond the program structure itself, Cutting Edge emphasized a long-term commitment to the communities it serves. According to Bester, the goal is not just to deliver training and leave, but to build lasting relationships with local partners, schools, and workforce organizations.
As workforce systems continue to look for innovative ways to connect job seekers with in-demand skills, Cutting Edge’s mobile model offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the most effective solution is simply meeting people where they are—literally.
Recent students get hands-on experience with tools, equipment, safety procedures and welding techniques.