On April 15, 2003, Nancy S. Harris, Chairman of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, cut the ribbon on the Palatka Welding Facility. The facility is a joint venture between Putnam County, WorkSource and the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Troy Ohio, a world leader in welding technology.

The facility provides customized welding training for local companies such as PDM Bridge, Keith Marine, as well as companies from other counties that employ welders. To make this venture possible took a team effort. The Putnam County Board of Commissioners provided space for the facility. Hobart Institute of Welding served as consultant in establishing the facility and is providing staff for training and administrative support. WorkSource works with businesses in the region to supplement the cost of skills upgrade training for employed workers. The facility has eight welding booths, capable of supporting all current welding technologies. WorkSource plans to double the training capacity to 16 booths by the end of 2004.

The first class of welders started on April 28, 2003. Upon completion of training and testing, students will be certified to the AWCS QC7 National Standard for Certified Welders.