Twenty area youth spent two days learning hands-on welding skills during Western Iowa Tech Community College's Youth Welding Camp, held July 7 and 9 at the Cherokee Campus.
The camp welcomed ten students ages 10–13 and ten students ages 14–16. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of RJ Thomas Mfg. of Cherokee and Wetherell Mfg. of Cleghorn, the camp was offered free of charge to participants.
Campers learned welding safety, practiced welding techniques, and completed several hands-on metal projects while exploring the creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving involved in welding. Participants took their finished projects home at the end of the camp. For many area middle and high school-aged students, experiences like this provide a first look at careers in the skilled trades and the opportunities available close to home.
"Although the weather was certainly hot, the camp itself couldn't have gone much better," said Kevin Woockman, WITCC Director of Apprenticeship and Building Trades. "The students were engaged, the projects turned out great, and it was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for welding and skilled trades."
The success of the camp comes as Western Iowa Tech prepares to launch new welding opportunities at its Cherokee Campus this fall for both high school and adult students. Full-time adult students can earn a Production Welding Certificate after completing the fall semester and continue through the spring to earn an Industrial Welding Diploma by May 2027.
"Welding continues to be one of the region's most in-demand career fields," said Wendy Ivarson, Director of the WIT Cherokee Campus. "We're excited to provide local students with the opportunity to gain these valuable skills close to home."
Ivarson is available to assist prospective students with the admissions process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Many students may qualify for Iowa's Last Dollar Scholarship, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. In addition, eligible Cherokee County residents may receive free tuition and fees through the Cherokee County Promise program when attending Western Iowa Tech's Cherokee Campus.
For more information about the Welding program or to apply, contact the Western Iowa Tech Cherokee Campus.