Thanks for the comment Henry. We'd be very lucky to find someone like you.
This program is designed up front to be more of a service provider to businesses, rather than a typical collegiate weld training program.
The premise is to offer to businesses the full gambit of on site assessment, consultation and development of a structured training/certification program meant to meet specific needs of their existing employees, as well as training of new employees.
There are a lot of current federal and state programs available to help businesses defray the costs of such services, which helps out.
Additionally, this program will be an AWS Accredited Testing Facility, so that it will provide services to individuals and contractors as well.
And, there will be a certain amount of typical collegiate student training as well, but leaning more toward enhancing and supporting other local programs without true AWS certification abilities.
As such, this facility is meant to be able to generate enough cash flow to be profitable, and if so, has built in retainers to share the profits with the people who make it happen.
We've already received state funding to purchase the equipment and a building donated by the local business development commission, to get it started debt free.
Now we just need the right person to manage it.
I'm involved, on a consultant basis, to help out and write the QA manuals for accreditation purposes, but will not run the program as I've made a commitment to my current employer that I will keep.
If you know anyone looking for a great opportunity, please pass this info along.
Henry, I hope that you have a very good 2014, full of good days and bucket list events!
Stay strong my friend.
Tim Gary