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October 2, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Luke Hummer - Erie County Community College

Welcome to this month's #benchmarkspotlight Beyond the Bench series - we had the opportunity to sit down with Luke from Erie County Community College and talk a little about his school.
 
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks.  Most of all it's to have a little fun!

 

 
Name:  Luke Hummer

Business Name:  Erie County Community College

Location: Erie, PA

Socials: IG: @ec3pa  FB: Erie County Community College

Website: https://www.ec3pa.org
Specialties:  Filling the pipeline with new welders
What industry problems convinced you/your school to start or expand a welding program?
In Erie, Pennsylvania, the demand for skilled welders is no longer a future concern—it’s a present-day reality. As manufacturing rebounds, infrastructure projects expand, and experienced tradespeople retire, institutions like Erie County Community College are stepping  up to close the gap. At the center of this effort is Welding Department Head/Instructor Luke Hummer, who is helping shape a workforce that’s both technically skilled and industry-ready.
  
 
Which welding disciplines (MIG, TIG, flux-core, etc.) are in highest demand right now, and why?
The expansion of the college’s welding program was driven by a clear and urgent need: local
employers couldn’t find enough qualified welders. Fabrication shops, manufacturers, and
industrial employers across the region are all competing for a shrinking labor pool. With demand outpacing supply, the college recognized an opportunity—and responsibility—to build a stronger
pipeline of trained professionals.
How do you keep your curriculum aligned with fast-moving tech (think robots, virtual reality trainers, or AI-assisted cutting)?
Today’s welding landscape demands versatility. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) and
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) are widely used in production and structural environments, making them essential skills for entry-level welders. At the same time, Gas Tungsten Arc
Welding (GTAW/TIG) remains critical for precision work such as pipe welding and stainless
fabrication.

Rather than focusing on a single process, the program emphasizes adaptability—ensuring
students can transition between techniques depending on the job.
  
 
What surprises new students the most about modern welding, compared to the “sparks‐and-smoke” stereotype?
One of the biggest surprises for new students is how technical welding really is. Far from the outdated stereotype of “sparks and smoke,” modern welding requires a deep understanding of
blueprint reading, metallurgy, joint design, and heat control. Precision and consistency are just as important as manual skill.

Students quickly learn that welding is not just a trade—it’s a discipline that blends craftsmanship
with applied science.
How do you recruit high schoolers who might otherwise intend to pursue a four-year degree?
For many students, the appeal of welding lies in its efficiency as a career path. Unlike traditional four-year degrees, the program allows graduates to enter the workforce in less than a year, often with minimal debt. Starting wages commonly range from $20 to $30 per hour, with significant growth potential as skills and certifications increase.

Some graduates secure employment within weeks of completing the program, moving directly into roles in structural welding, fabrication, or manufacturing. 		 
 
Can you share a recent success story that shows the earning potential straight out of your program?
The program is built around hands-on experience. Students spend roughly 70% of their time in the shop and 30% in the classroom. Early in the program, they begin working on practical projects—not just test coupons—developing real-world skills that translate directly to  jobsite expectations.

Classroom instruction reinforces this work with lessons in safety, weld theory, and blueprint interpretation, ensuring students understand not just how to weld, but why techniques work.
Where do you see the biggest skills gaps in the next five years, and how are you closing them?
Looking ahead, the biggest challenges aren’t just technical—they’re also behavioral. While
advanced skills like pipe welding and out-of-position welding are in high demand, employers are
equally focused on reliability, communication, and problem-solving.

To address this, the program integrates real-world expectations into training, emphasizing
accountability alongside technical proficiency.
  
 
Safety moment: which PPE or best practices do you drill so hard that even alumni can still hear your voice on the jobsite?
Safety is not treated as an afterthought—it’s embedded into every aspect of training. From proper helmet use to grinding safety and personal protective equipment (PPE), students are taught habits that stay with them throughout their careers.

The goal is simple: create welders who are not only skilled, but consistently safe and professional on the job.
What abrasive products (discs, flap wheels, wire brushes) do students lean on in class, and why those over others?
An often-overlooked aspect of welding education is material preparation. Students learn early that weld quality starts before the arc is struck. Proper grinding techniques, correct abrasive
selection, and efficient prep work can mean the difference between success and costly rework. Flap discs, grinding wheels, and wire brushes become everyday tools, and students are trained to use them effectively—maximizing both performance and cost efficiency.
  
  What role does simulation, or augmented-reality weld trainers, play in shortening the learning curve?
While hands-on welding remains the foundation, the program also incorporates modern training tools such as simulation systems. These technologies help beginners develop technique and
confidence before working with live arcs, accelerating the learning curve without replacing real-world practice.

Additionally, exposure to automation and robotic welding systems ensures students understand
where the industry is heading—even if they begin their careers in manual welding roles.
What is your job-placement or apprenticeship stats within the first 90 days of graduation?
Ultimately, the mission of Erie County Community College’s welding program is not just to produce entry-level workers, but to build careers. Whether students pursue advanced certifications, specialize in pipe welding, or move into leadership roles, the foundation they gain
sets them up for long-term growth.

In a time when skilled trades are more essential than ever, programs like this are doing more than filling jobs—they’re rebuilding the backbone of American industry.
  
 
Which local employers’ partner with you on tooling donations or on-site internships, and how does that benefit students?
Partnerships with local employers play a critical role in the program’s success. These relationships provide insight into current industry needs, as well as opportunities for internships,
equipment donations, and direct job placement.

For students, this means training that aligns with real hiring demands—and often, direct pathways into employment.

 

A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing with us, Luke! We look forward to seeing your students progress and get better at their craft!
Filed in: benchmark spotlight, beyond the bench, welder showcase
Next article Industrial Quick Change Discs for Fast-Lock Grinding and Finishing

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