SHS advanced welders toured local shops
SHS students touring Mountain Metals and learning about welding education from staff member Jose (left).
(Courtesy photo)
PONDERAY — Sandpoint High School students got the chance to explore the future of welding in person recently, thanks to two local businesses which invited them over for a visit.
Sandpoint High School’s advanced welding students toured Mountain Metal Works and Diedrich Coffee Roasters, two local welding operations.
Jeralyn Mire, the post-secondary counselor at SHS, said that it was awesome to have Leonard Fister give the tour at Diedrich since he was a SHS 2010 graduate.
Not only did Fister share great information with the students about work opportunities, Mire said he also shared some of his personal journey on how he got to where he is with the company.
Mire said the trip was full circle for her as well since Fister was from the first class of students she worked with at SHS.
“This trip allowed students to envision what a career in welding might look like,” said Angie Dail, college and career mentor at SHS.
The first stop was at Mountain Metal Works in Ponderay, where students got the chance to meet with the owner and learn about the business as a whole. They also received a tool specific demonstration from a staff member.
He then showed the young welders how a beam line machine can cut and process structural steel, along with how to use an Iron Worker to punch holes into steel.
At Diedrich Coffee Roasters, students were able to view proprietary welding techniques and ask questions about operations.
“I liked being able to see how there was a wide spectrum of jobs available at each welding shop,” student Tiffany Brown said.
Another, Jacob Albany, said that he had no idea there was such a high demand for welders.
“It was interesting to see that the staff's work ethic was similar to ours (here at SHS), they each had a job to do and did it on their own,” said Tyler Bangle.
Students were treated to lunch by a donation from a retired couple in Sandpoint. Students said they enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about real world options. The field trip was made possible by a Panhandle Alliance of Education grant.