LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (AP) _ Eight U.S. military veterans are beginning six weeks of training through the UAW-Ford Veteran Welding Training program.

UAW-Ford is providing the training starting with a kickoff ceremony on Monday at no cost to veterans who are part of the Wounded Warriors Family Support organization.

It is the first time the course is being extended to veterans nationwide. Wounded Warriors will provide veterans who are not from the Detroit area with housing, money for food and a vehicle. Classes are held weekdays at the UAW-Ford Technical Training Center in Lincoln Park.

The trainees can become certified with the American Welding Society upon completion. UAW-Ford also will provide job placement support. Industries project a shortage of 290,000 skilled welders by 2022 due to growth in manufacturing and the aging workforce.