November 12, 2025

Labette Community College’s Workforce Training Center Expands Equipment – Prepares Students for Advanced Manufacturing Careers

Parsons, Kansas — Labette Community College (LCC) is excited to announce new additions to its Workforce Training Center, including a sheet-metal bender, several new welders, a powder-coat oven, and an industrial horizontal bandsaw. These upgrades will give students expanded hands-on learning opportunities in metal fabrication, welding, finishing, and cutting—helping prepare them for high-demand careers in modern manufacturing.

The new sheet-metal bender helps students create metal parts, flanges, and components used in real-world fabrication, while the welders support GMAW/MIG, GMAW/TIG and SMAW/stick welding, allowing students at all levels the chance to develop this valuable skill. The powder-coat oven introduces finishing techniques found in today’s production environments, and the horizontal bandsaw provides precise cutting capabilities.

“With support from the Perkins Grant and state Business & Industry funding, we’ve strengthened our Workforce Training Center with equipment that gives students real world experience, and hands-on experience,” said Ross Harper, Dean of Career & Technical Education and Workforce. “This investment helps students build skills that lead directly to quality jobs in our community.”

LCC’s Workforce Education division offers both credit and non-credit training opportunities, helping students prepare for immediate employment or further education. The addition of this new equipment gives students the opportunity to train on the same types of machines used in local and regional industries.

Founded in 1923, Labette Community College serves students in Parsons and throughout southeast Kansas. The College is dedicated to providing high-quality education and workforce training that meet the needs of students, employers, and the community.

For more information, visit www.labette.edu or contact Ross Harper at rossharper@labette.edu.