ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - More than 300 welding jobs are open in the Abilene area, creating a need for qualified employees. 

Texas State Technical College Breckenridge offers a three-semester welding class that certifies graduates to fill these in-demand jobs. 

Stephen Hope, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor in Breckenridge, said students typically have jobs when they graduate.

"There are so many welding jobs available right now that they can't fill a lot of their positions," he said.

Federal experts project the welding industry will only continue to grow in the coming years, growing to nearly 427,000 jobs. 

For more information on TSTC's welding program, visit tstc.edu.