From left, are Warsaw Community High School sophomore Eliza Paton; WACC welding instructors Nate Howett and Jeremiah Paseka; and WCHS sophomore Lily Kincaid. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Area Career Center offers students a career pathway in welding with opportunities to earn dual college credits and certifications.

Principles of Welding Technology includes classroom and laboratory experiences that develop a variety of skills in oxo-fuel cutting and basic welding. This course is designed for individuals who intend to make a career as a welder, technician, designer, researcher, or engineer. Shielded Metal Arc Welding involves the theory and application of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. Process theory will include basic electricity, power sources, electrode selection, and all aspects pertaining to equipment operation and maintenance. Gas Welding Processes is designed to cover the operation of Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) equipment.

The Welding Technology Capstone course builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Welding Fundamentals, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Gas Metal Arc Welding by developing advanced welding skills in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Fabrication. As a capstone course, students should have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and use skills through an intensive work-based learning experience.

At the start of the 2022-23 school year, Jeremiah Paseka and Nate Howett introduced the community to their new YouTube channel: Mr. Howett and Mr. Paseka – WACCY Welders. These welding instructors started this channel to highlight what is going on in the welding lab. WACCY Welders releases a new video each week and have enjoyed subscriber growth over the past few months. Topics covered include Plasma Cutter, Welded Planter, Ameribrade Grinder, Quench Tank, Coal Iron Works, Guests, and a Day in the Life of a WACCY Welder.

Paseka and Howett also announced an opportunity to give their students experience making custom projects for their viewers. A few weeks ago, Jon Scroggs reached out to take WACCY Welders up on that offer. With a steel sheet and a business logo, the client brief was for students to create a custom sign for a new barn venue. Sophomores Eliza Paton and Lily Kincaid were given the assignment and put their skills to the test with this authentic learning experience.

Paton and Kincaid both joined the WACC welding program this year.

“I’m a kinesthetic learner so this sounded like a good decision for a well-paid job right out of high school,” said Paton. “This class is involved and hands-on for two periods a day. I’m really enjoying it.”

“I’ve always been interested in being an architect,” said Kincaid. “I’m an artsy person, so this is a good fit for me. At first, I was concerned abut being in a class with mostly guys, but it has been great and I have a lot of friends here. I love messing around with fire and metal and seeing what I can make out of it.”

Scroggs was impressed with their level of professionalism and communication throughout the process.

“I’m really happy with the result,” said Scroggs. “I’ll be installing the sign for The Barn 1880: Historic Venue and I look forward to telling everyone that Eliza and Lily made it.”

Other projects Paseka and Howett’s welding students are involved in include welding repairs for lawn mower decks, trailers, and vent hoods. Welding students are also making horseshoe pumpkins and horseshoe coat racks. Community members can contact Howett or Paseka if interested in purchasing one of these projects or proposing a custom project.