After developing and growing with the support of MAxT Makerspace, PHAZE Welding Technology Center is moving into its own dedicated space at 9 Vose Farm Road in Peterborough in order to accommodate larger classes of welding students in the coming years.
The welding program – which provides American Welding Society certification to continuing learning students and class credit to local high school students – was born two years ago when Dan Guillou of Guillou Construction Services approached MAxT with a concept for a welding school, later called ‘PHAZE’. The program’s goals are to fill the needs of the welding industry for a new generation of qualified workers and provide new opportunities for the local community.
MAxT provided an affordable home to get PHAZE’s operations started, introductions to key partners, and access to resources needed to get started, including a generous grant from 100+ Women Who Care who helped support the first students of the program. From there, PHAZE grew and has brought more then 20 individuals through its programs in the last year, with many more expected in the coming year. The partnership was recognized in 2019 by an award from the Small Business Administration as a model workforce training program.
With this growth, the need for a larger, dedicated space soon became apparent and thankfully a space became available next door to MAxT at 9 Vose Farm Road. The move represents a success story for MAxT’s overall goal of launching new enterprises in the region.
“We are thrilled that PHAZE has come so far, so fast and will continue to grow as a resource for our community,” said MAxT Makerspace Executive Director Roy Schlieben, “Our motto is ‘you can make it here’, because we believe that the freedom to experiment and the resources that our space provides can lead to great things right here in Peterborough. We know Dan Guillou’s hard work and dedication to his students will allow him to continue his growth in this new facility. We congratulate him on his success, and look forward to working with PHAZE to support those individuals who are looking for new opportunities as welders.”