Soldering Certification Ceremony Marks Milestone in Expanding Workforce Training

St. Petersburg College’s Workforce, Community, & Corporate Partnerships recently celebrated 12 students who completed the soldering certification course with a ceremony at the Chris Sprowls Innovation Hub on the Tarpon Springs Campus on July 10.

The short-term training program, developed with industry partners in response to high demand for soldering skills, recently expanded to the Tarpon Springs Campus with hands-on soldering stations in the Innovation Hub. The ceremony celebrated the first cohort to receive their certifications at the campus.

From recent high school grads to those in the industry looking to upskill, program participants were joined by family and friends to celebrate their milestone.

Provost Rod Davis, whose son was among those graduating from the course, opened the ceremony, and keynote speaker John Krause, Vice President of Operations at Jabil, spoke about the larger vision to help make manufacturing in America accessible to the next generation.

Mariah O'Neal working at a soldering station

Graduate Mariah O’Neal earned her Soldering Certification (IPC A-610 & IPC J-STD-001) through St. Petersburg College.

“The soldering class at SPC was an amazing experience. It gave me the hands-on skills and confidence I needed to step into a new career path,” she said. “The instructors were supportive and knowledgeable, and the program opened doors for me that I didn’t think were possible just a few months ago. I’m truly grateful to SPC for helping me build a foundation for my future.”

Since completing the certification, O’Neal received interest from several local employers, including Jabil and Honeywell, and is currently exploring job offers in electronics assembly and manufacturing.

Pablo Acosta Jr., a welder at Leader Tech, also shared how the program transformed his career. “Participating in the soldering certification program at SPC was a game-changer for my life. The hands-on training and industry-recognized credential gave me the confidence and qualifications to secure a higher-paying position with so much room to grow,” he said. “This program didn’t just teach me a skill; it opened the door to a better future. I was struggling to find a path for years and now I have one with endless possibilities in which employers are seeking me and it feels great.”

Supported by industry partners including Honeywell, Jabil and Leader Tech, the program will soon expand to SPC’s Midtown Center.

“Partnering on an industry-specific process like the solder certification classes opens the eyes of the students to the opportunities in manufacturing and provides Honeywell the opportunity to gain employees with the skills we need in our factories,” said Wendell Krahmer, Senior ISC Operations Manager at Honeywell.

Overall, the event is a shining example of how collaboration between industry, SPC and the community can address talent pipeline needs in Pinellas County and the region.

View upcoming soldering certification courses through Workforce Education.