Bend High School has been awarded a $24,510 grant from the American Welding Society (AWS) to upgrade its welding program and enable students the opportunity to earn an Entry level Welder certification (Level 1) while still in high school. According to Chuck Hill, Instructor, “We are really excited since this will allow us to provide our students hands-on experience with the tools and equipment that are being used in the workplace right now – and – create a pipeline for local businesses who desperately need these trade professionals.”
The funds were provided through the AWS Foundation as part of a nationally competitive process and will allow the school to acquire a multiple-operator SMAW power supply (upgradable to add FCAW processes in the future), a mechanized oxy-fuel torch, another torch and related equipment for carbon-arc gouging, and FCAW equipment for existing GMAW machines. The new equipment should be purchased and installed by fall 2023.
“As the need for skilled welders continues to increase, helping educational facilities at the high school and college level is more important than ever,” said Monica Pfarr, Executive Director of the AWS Foundation. “We are pleased to support the expansion of the Bend High School welding program, their commitment to the welding industry and their dedication to cultivating the next generation of welding technicians and professionals.”
Lisa Keown, CTE Coordinator stated, “Welding is just one of several exciting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at Bend High School as a way to provide students a clear path to “high-wage, high-demand” jobs, while teaching them important 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Because of the region’s growth and high demand for construction and manufacturing services, the Welding Program provides a launching pad to a successful career for many students who are technically inclined and not immediately college bound.”
