HARRODSBURG, Ky. — A partnership between a Kentucky university and nonprofit is helping people in recovery become certified welders.
Brandon Sizemore began treatment at Isaiah House in Feb. 2023. He struggled with an alcohol addiction at first.
“One thing kind of led to another and then I wound up in an even more serious addiction and that kind of took me down a very dark path,” Sizemore said.
Sizemore says he hit rock bottom. He then decided to get treated and now he’s been sober for about 15 months.
“By being at IH (Isaiah House), it gave me enough time for me to reflect and kind of renew my mind and start fresh,” Sizemore said.
Isaiah House is a recovery organization that has a four-phase program. The third phase is “acclimation,” which includes access to educational opportunities. Clients have the option to choose welding.
“Our world is coming to where trade is very important and our guys get to keep recovery and gain a trade so we’re extremely blessed to have this program,” said Sara Beth Wells, the director of education for the nonprofit.
Sizemore began Campbellsville University’s welding program in August. Students complete the first 24 weeks at the Isaiah House’s Willisburg campus and then complete the final 24 weeks at the university’s Harrodsburg campus.
“It’s really taught me a lot,” said Sizemore.
Lead welding instructor Jim Lamirande oversees the class. He has been in the business for over 50 years. Six of his current students at the Harrodsburg campus are from Isaiah House.
“I tell them when we come into the program, ‘I don’t care about your past. We’re starting from day one. You’re new to me. Everybody has skeletons in the closet; bury the skeletons and let’s move forward,’” Lamirande said.
He also helps to set students up with work once they complete the program. Once the program is complete, students get the certifications necessary to start working in the field immediately.
“For most of them, it’s, you know, it’s life changing. It gives them a skill, it gives them an opportunity to go out and to earn a living, to find gainful employment,” said Roger Banks, the director of skilled training for the university’s welding program.
Employment is an important element for sustaining recovery, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“I’m on the right path to a really successful career in welding,” Sizemore said.
Though Sizemore doesn’t know what direction he wants to take with welding yet, he is looking forward to the possibilities.