Welding jobs continue in high demand. According to American Welding Society (AWS) estimates, by 2023, there will be a shortage of more than 375,000 welders nationwide. While this is an industry challenge, the shortage also presents an opportunity.
As a result, Kiel High School (KHS), Lakeshore Technical College (LTC), Miller Electric® and Amerequip® have joined to develop a program rarely if ever seen in a rural school district. It includes state-of‐the‐art welders, a high-tech lab environment, a variety of classes, technical college credits and paid apprenticeships opportunities.
Highlights of the program include 13 additional, new state‐of‐the‐art welding bays and equipment from Miller Electric, expanded class offerings at KHS, and Paid apprenticeship offerings through Amerequip to program students; providing real‐life manufacturing experience while they learn the trade.