Daniel Eckelbarger, Kory Konkol (center) and Melody Banuelos pose for a photo outside the Lassen Community College welding shop. Photo submitted

TC energy awards scholarships to two LCC welding students

Daniel Eckelbarger and Melody Banuelos, students with the Lassen College Welding program, recently received $2,500 scholarships from TC Energy in support of their entry into qualifying trades, which include mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, welding, pipe fitting and camp related positions.

Eckelbarger is working on his two-year certificate in welding technology at Lassen and upon graduation, he plans to move to Minnesota to find employment with a local welding shop and help his brother with his business. Banuelos plans to earn her A.S. in welding technology at Lassen and hopes to pursue a career with TC Energy.

“An advisor from TC Energy, Mike Hatchett, reached out to me last spring regarding a scholarship that was available to students in our region,” said Kory Konkol, Lassen College Welding Instructor/CWI – Certified Welding Inspector. “Upon learning this, I shared that information with several of our most promising Lassen College welding students. Daniel and Melody are committed to the trade and very deserving students.”

The Welding Technology Program at Lassen College prepares students with the necessary skills to acquire an entry-level position in the various industries that require the different welding processes available through the program. It also assists in improving the skills of those already employed in the industry and those in the community.

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The program offers coursework in Robotic Welding, Blueprint Reading, Industrial Safety, Industrial Technology, Oxyacetylene Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding Pulse, Flux Core Arc Welding, Flux Core Arc Welding with a gas, Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.

LCC also offers welding qualification testing on plate and pipe recognized by the American Welding Society.

About TC Energy
TC Energy operates pipelines, storage facilities and power-generation plants that support life in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. In 2020, they donated more than $25.6 million to more than 2,500 different organizations and students from 1,040 communities across North America.