Not all students follow the same path after their high school graduation, Tipton High School realizes that and is taking huge steps in equipping students with marketable skills once they earn their diploma. Skills and knowledge that can immediately translate to higher education but also the workforce. Additions like the Nurse Aide course which gives students the chance to earn their CNA while in high school, and new and improved hands-on welding courses.
Tipton invested in brand new welding equipment, and they’re being used now by students. The installation of the welders was completed in December, the project has been more than 2 years in the making, replacing older, less versatile welding equipment with state of the art tools and welding booths. The welding equipment is Miller brand and comes with a host of capabilities. They are capable of Mig, Tig and Stick welding, all of which will be classes taught at the High School. The upgraded machines will be important in teaching many skills, but their greatest feature is added safety.
This school year, Megan McCleary, THS agriculture teacher, taught Welding 1 which is stick welding and Mike Wehde, industrial technology teacher, is teaching Welding 2 which will include mig welding. In the future, these courses, among others, will continue. More than 35 students enrolled in the classes this school year, including 6 girls. The inaugural classes have sparked interest among others to learn about the trade and get involved as well.
These skills will be able to translate to all types of welding careers should students choose to enter the workforce after graduation. Construction, manufacturing, automotive, engineering, farming, and structural welding are some of the many industries that include the types of welding Tipton students can learn. A skill that could land them a career right here in Tipton or take them across the world.
Members of the community are taking notice of Tiptons efforts, Linda Beck, Tiptons Director of Economic Development said, “I was excited to hear Tipton High School has a welding program for their students. The trades are extremely important, and this is an awesome and great opportunity for high school students to have the hands-on experience for a possible career in welding right here in Tipton! Go Tigers!” The opportunity to use this important skill and bring more jobs to Tipton.
Tipton City Council Member Abby Cummins-VanScoy was also impressed by the updates on a tour of the school earlier this year. She said, “Every year graduating seniors are asked what they plan to do after high school. I notice many “undecided” or “entering the workforce.” We cannot fail these kids. It’s important that we’re preparing all students for opportunities beyond high school, which may or may not include further institutionalized education. I am excited to see that Tipton has included welding in their curriculum and looking forward to seeing what other career based skills they will offer.”
High school seniors have always had tough decisions to make about their future, choosing between many options once they leave high school. Thanks to Tipton High School, their students will be leaving with more experience and just a little better idea of what the future could hold.