Waukon High School added an in-house, work-based learning component to its Welding program this year. The new focus on real-world learning complements the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Career Pathway Certificate offered in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) for college credit.
Twelve students worked with local businesses and industry to complete several projects while operating the class as a welding business model. Student tasks for projects included designing, estimating materials, pricing and fabrication, and the students developed their own company name, “Next Gen Welds.”
Projects completed in collaboration with local businesses included four concrete form racks and 70 pig pen stands for Palmer Repair, a heavy railing to protect a half-million-dollar CNC machine for M’s Machine, five vertical ball carts for Waukon High School and Middle School to organize basketballs, and 100 tee-off markers for Waukon Country Club.