PRESTONSBURG — Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) unveiled its state-of-the-art welding facility this week.

The grand opening signals a bold investment in the future of skilled trades and industrial technology.

The event at the Prestonsburg campus drew state leaders, faculty and students. Dr. Todd Brand, BSCTC’s interim president and CEO, and State Representative Bobby McCool were among attendees.

Leaders say the new lab will train the next generation of welders and elevate the region’s standing in advanced manufacturing.

That mission is already resonating on the ground. Scott Linkous, BSCTC lead welding instructor, says the facility is helping broaden student access to the trade and meet evolving needs of the industry.

“This new lab brings more diverse students—those who may not want to work out in the cold or heat but still want to be in the welding field,” Linkous said. “The new technology is huge for our students, business, industry and community.”

At the heart of the lab is a cutting-edge cobot welding system manufactured by Fanuc, a global leader in automation.

“All of our new equipment is the newest technology in welding,” Linkous said, noting that BSCTC is one of the first schools on the East Coast to acquire this particular cobot system.

The addition of robotic welding—specifically the globally used Fanuc system—expands career pathways for students in an increasingly automated industry.

“The opportunities are endless,” Linkous said. “Our students can work and travel to any company they want to work for. Fanuc is a worldwide manufacturing company.”

The facility also houses an AWS-accredited testing center—one of only three in Kentucky and among a limited number globally recognized for providing top-tier certification services. Thus, students will have the chance to earn highly competitive, industry-recognized credentials. At the same time, leaders expect the center to generate revenue for the college through testing services for industry partners.