Students Get Head Start On Welding Certification | Video

Kristin Clouston | 6/20/2012

If you could get part of your training paid for in a field where salaries are high and workers are in demand, would you do it? It kind of sounds like a no-brainer doesn`t it?

There is a high demand for Welders throughout the country and this week 27 high school students are getting a head start on their certifications thanks to the Missouri River Area Career and Technical Center.

The work is loud, hot and dirty, but you only have to go to school for a year.

"They say you should have a job by the time you get done with school and if you don`t you`re lazy because they really need welders in the state because of the oil field and all that," said student Alice Weikum.

The first time Weikum welded, she was a junior in an Ag Mechanic class.

"And we had a semester of welding and I really liked that, so I decided to take it up here for a whole year and the first beam I made this year I really enjoyed it and now that`s what I want to do for my career."

Even if it means moving west.

"Good ones now, if you`re willing to travel I know the mines they`re about $30 to $40 an hour and the benefits are worth another $10 say, $50 an hour," said instructor Barry Schneider.

Because of the shortage, that number is expected to keep going up.

If turns out welding isn`t your thing, instructors say it`s a job that can also lead to other careers because welding is considered an entry level position.

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