Spotlight

By John Rumler

Sparks erupt in a cascading fountain as Aaron Brown holds his leather-covered hands steady, bringing them forward in a smooth motion to draw an even bead.  Brown, 15, is one of a dozen Parkrose High School students in the NWCC’s Introduction to Welding class. “I am going into auto repair and I want to learn everything about welding I possibly can,” he says.  Fellow student Troy James Stamp, also 15, plans to become an engineer and says welding is a great all-around background. “And it’s a cool trade, because you can fix almost anything that is metal.”

NWCC welding instructor Kym Halstead, says the teenagers are now learning basic welding and cutting techniques, with an emphasis on safety, but before they complete their 41-hour course, they will take on vertical and overhead welding projects. “Some pick it up faster than others, but they all seem to love the welding lab,” she said. 

Matt Hamilton, 16, is learning about the different metals, welding rods, amps, and temperatures. His new skills will enable him to help his grandfather fix farm equipment and build a trailer. Hamilton raves about Halstead and fellow teacher Scott Ryan “The instructors are right there whenever you have a question,” he says.

Elijah Stratton, also 16, describes the welding course and the instructors as “awesome.” His grandfather and several of his uncles were welders and he wants to continue the family tradition. “I totally enjoy it and it pays really well.  This is what I intend to do with my life, so I hope they grow this program.”

Many of the students say they plan to take more advanced welding courses as they become available. They also enjoy the college atmosphere of NWCC. “It’s  more focused and more serious,” says Brown. “The instructors treat you like an adult.”

Although Parkrose High School has no vocational programs on its campus, Parkrose Schools Superintendent Karen Gray says the administration is committed to providing vocational training for construction related jobs. “A lot of our students aren’t going to pursue a 4-year liberal arts degree. Welding and metal shop classes provide these kids with skills that are a valuable commodity and lead to careers.”  The pilot welding program is providing a great “hands on” experience and is drawing high marks from students and teachers alike, Gray said, but at the conclusion of the term, the results would be closely evaluated.  “We’d love to double or triple the size of the class, but we can’t jump that far ahead yet.”

NWCC is also optimistic about bringing more high school kids on campus.“It’s a good fit because we’re close (just about 10 minutes from Parkrose) and it fills a need,” says Guy Crawford, Vice-President of Operations for NWCC.” We hope to continue to build the program and to add an introductory carpentry course. Our goal is to broaden our relationship with Parkrose and to reach out to other high schools as well.”  

Archived Spotlight Stories

• Jenny's Journey: The Variety & Challenges of a Sheet Metal Apprentice
• HVAC detective Mersha Kefeyalhu: Brains over Brawn
• Stepping Up: Jeanne Staton leads by example
• Not The Biggest, Just The Best