FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

In this latest edition of College Connection, we take you to Mesabi Range College in Eveleth that's about to expand one popular, in-demand field of study to the North Shore, as FOX 21's Dan Hanger reports.

Welding professionals are in demand on the range and across the world.
Just ask Randall Washenesky who is a welding instructor at Mesabi Range College.

"I've been to many different countries – Australia, been to Italy -- Spain.
Washenesky says he give students a hands-on, real-world experience at the campus in Eveleth.
But now for the first time this fall, the welding program will expand to the North Shore in Two Harbors.

"Keep the people in Two Harbors who want to live in Two Harbors to be able to stay in Two Harbors with good employment," Washenesky said.

Bill Parker, an instructor with Mesabi's Industrial Mechanical Technology program, is in such a demand that it, too, is expanding up the shore in Silver Bay.

"North Shore is right across the street from Cliff's property -- and they have been a great partner -- and they are excited to have a workforce developed for them," Parker said.

David Daily, dean of student affairs at the college, says the programs will be held in the high schools on the North Shore staffed with the same quality education offered hours away in Eveleth.

"There's capacity for them to get into the market to earn a wage, to support their families in a way that would otherwise be available," Dailey said.

Carol Helland, dean of academic affairs, says the overall goal of the expansion is to reach as many Northland students as possible with an education that local employers can't pass up.

"It gives them a future.
It gives them a career. It gives them a hope. So, I am very excited we can bring this to the North Shore," Helland said.

Enrollment dates for the North Shore are set for July 17 from 12-6 p.m. at Silver Bay High School, and July 19 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Two Harbors High School.