Fall 2025

Skagit Valley College’s welding program recently received a substantial boost through a donation of $30,000 worth of steel plate and carbon material from T BAILEY, INC., a leader in the Northwest’s heavy-civil, industrial construction, and heavy steel fabrication sectors.

This generous contribution provides students with high-quality materials crucial for advanced welding and cutting processes, enabling instructors to design class projects and industry-specific lab assignments with diverse and thicker materials that are costly and hard to obtain. These materials enhance the experience for welding students, better preparing them for careers in the field.

Beyond material support, T BAILEY, INC. partners serve on the welding program’s advisory committee, collaborating with faculty to develop a specialized curriculum that facilitates students’ transition from education to industry. T BAILEY, INC. currently employs four graduates from SVC’s Class of 2024.

John Burton, T BAILEY, INC.’s fabrication and hiring manager, frequently visits the SVC welding lab, sharing his expertise in metal fabrication and welding techniques. Welding instructor Matt Williams expressed gratitude for Burton’s involvement and mentorship. “The students really enjoy when John visits the classroom,” said Matt. “He is very generous with his time; we feel extremely lucky to have John’s support and look forward to working with T BAILEY, INC. for years to come.”

 

To explore ways you can support SVC’s programs, skagitfoundation.org/support-svc-foundation.