“My life has changed for the better because of this training!”
That’s what Gaege says about the Foundations of Welding certificate training he enrolled in last fall through Career Solutions in St. Could. Now, he’s working in a field he loves for a Central Minnesota company near his home.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded Leading CareerForce Partner Career Solutions $700,000 in Drive for 5 grant funding in 2024 to develop a training program to help fill in-demand welding positions in the manufacturing industry. Career Solutions received additional Drive for 5 training grant for $325,000 to continue offering the training programs.
Welders are in very high demand in Central Minnesota – and throughout the state. In fact, there is a demand for nearly 10,000 welders through 2034 throughout Minnesota – with more than 900 of those welding positions opening up in Central Minnesota. Working in welding pays well too, with a median wage of $61,655 a year statewide; $60,201 in Central Minnesota.
Career Solutions partnered with St. Cloud Technical and Community College to develop a Foundations of Welding certificate training program. Gaege was one of 45 participants who completed the program in 2025.
Shortly after graduating from training in November 2025, Gaege was hired by the Astec Industries CWMF Corporation facility in Waite Park as a Welder/Fabricator.
CWMF designs and manufactures equipment for asphalt plants, including new heavy equipment, upgrading existing plants, and providing custom engineering and design support.
“Going through the Foundations of Welding program was an opportunity I’m glad I didn’t miss. I’m involved in building industrial size asphalt equipment such as asphalt silos, conveyor belt systems, and repair equipment. I was able to utilize the TIG and MIG welding training I received to acquire a career in welding.”
“Our interaction with Career Solutions has been a positive experience. They have done a good job letting us be involved with the development of the welding curriculum,” said Sarah Eisenrich, HR Manager at ASTEC/CWMF in Waite Park. "We have found that non-traditional students, such as Gaege, are more motivated to move into careers such as welding. We will always be looking for welders, as welding is the bloodline of our business.”
- Learn more about all the programs and services offered by Career Solutions
- Find contact information for a CareerForce location near you
- View information about DEED’s Drive for 5 initiative
