The first class of a brand-new welding program at Lincoln Technical Institute in Mahwah starts next month.

Campus President Robert Paganini says there's a need for skilled welders since growth potential in the field is expected.            

Paganini says those enrolled in the program will be welding every day, virtually if not in person.

"As part of the program, we have three virtual welders where our students can practice using VR welding masks to get their skills honed before coming out to the booths and actually burning the metal," says Paganini. "Every single day our students will be burning on these welding machines."

Paganini says safety will be a priority.