Shoals High School has recently introduced its 11th career pathway—a welding program that has quickly gained popularity among students.
The program’s “Principles of Welding” course has attracted 27 students, surpassing the initial goal of 20. Due to the high demand, another section was added, and a waitlist has already formed.
The course is led by Ethan Adams, a 2009 Shoals High School alumnus, who provides students with hands-on training in a supervised environment.
Ben Kent, who oversees the agriculture and construction pathway programs at SHS, shared that while there had been previous interest in a welding program, limited space and a lack of necessary equipment were barriers to its implementation.
The turning point came several months ago when the high school received a welder and a plasma cutter donation through a partnership with NSWC Crane and the USSOCOM Mobile Technology & Repair Complex.
This donation sparked the creation of the welding program. The school purchased two additional used welding machines and installed new electrical outlets in the shop room.
“Space was our biggest challenge,” said Kent. “The shop room was already full, but we managed to clear out some unused items to make room for welding.”
Kent noted that students frequently expressed interest in learning to weld during his construction classes. “We knew the need was there, and the kids were eager to learn,” he said. “Plus, many trades in the community are in need of welders.”
With enrollment exceeding expectations, Adams, who initially planned to teach part-time, now has a full schedule dedicated to the course.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for welders was $23.53 in 2023. Indiana employed 13,190 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers that year, with an annual mean wage of $49,330.
This story was first reported by Southern Indiana Business Report.
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