CLINTWOOD, VA — June 11, 2025 — Welding classes will soon be added to the offerings at the Dickenson Center for Education and Research (DCER) in Clintwood, VA, thanks to an up to a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund.
The funds will be used to cover the costs and expenses of electrical upgrades to support the establishment of welding classes through Mountain Empire Community College (MECC).
“According to the IDA’s application, the project will enhance workforce training opportunities in the region, equipping students with in-demand welding skills and strengthening the local economy,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher.
The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has been working with MECC on the establishment of the classes at the DCER. Currently, the DCER lacks sufficient electrical circuitry to support the welding class, which requires a dedicated 208-volt, 50-amp circuit for each welding booth.
MECC plans to install eight welding booths, complete with brand-new welders and all necessary equipment. Upgrades to electrical circuits, panels and transformers serving the facility are needed prior to the installation.
According to the IDA’s application, the project will enhance workforce training opportunities in the region, equipping students with in-demand welding skills and strengthening the local economy.
“We are incredibly grateful to VCEDA for its generous support of our adult welding program in Dickenson County,” said Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton. “This $20,000 grant will allow us to make needed improvements to the Dickenson Center for Education and Research to provide hands-on training opportunities and ultimately to better prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.”
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.