Women Join Welders at Fortis College

Welder Ginger Patterson talks with state Sen. John Eklund during a tour of Fortis College in Ravenna on Monday. Patterson, one of the first women in the school’s welding program, is now working for United States Fittings in Twinsburg. Ginger Patterson learns welding at Fortis College[/caption] Eklund toured the school along with Kent A. Trofholz, executive director of the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools, Ravenna Mayor Frank Seman and Fortis College officials. Patterson said she became interested in welding as a youngster because her father would weld at home. Ginger Patterson learns welding at Fortis College.

It was always an interest, she said. “As soon as I touched a torch, I loved it,” Patterson said. She commuted to classes at Fortis from her home in Niles. “It was worth it. The school is great and the instructors are all certified. Classes were small so you could get individual attention,” she said.

Kent Trofholz, Executive Director OACCS, Sonya Hartburg President Fortis College, Sen. John Eklund (Ohio District 6), Frank Seman Mayor of Ravenna