Not too many high school students can say they already have a job lined up before their graduation ceremony…but these Berkeley County School District students made it happen.
For the past four Saturdays, more than 20 BCSD students – mostly seniors – have been working toward a career in welding thanks to a program created by W International SC, LLC. The company’s 2023 Weld Summit program provided on-site instruction to its participants, as well as a major job placement opportunity within the company to completers.
W International is a metal fabricator that makes components for aerospace, automotive, commercial defense and energy markets.
Curtis Booth, training and development manager for W International, said it is hard to find experienced welders for hire.
“We had to figure out how to get new welders into the industry,” he said. “The best way to do it is to grow them locally.”
Booth said during their time in the summit, six instructors worked with students on different aspects of welding; not just welding itself, but the soft skills needed to land a job.
“We can teach you how to weld – it’s making sure they’re receptive to instruction, that they’re going to be here on time and have a good attitude,” Booth said. “We haven’t identified anybody in this program…that doesn’t match that criteria.”
May 13 was the group’s last get-together at W International. On that day, program completers were presented with job offer letters and an opportunity for a 30-plus year career with competitive wages and a benefits package.
If they decide to join W International, these soon-to-be high school graduates will return during the summer for a training program that lasts 12-14 weeks.
Even if they do not sign on to work with W International, Booth hopes students will get the word out about the company and maybe pique other students’ interest.
Booth said there are other career opportunities they could potentially explore within the company if they eventually decide to move on from welding – as long as they maintain a good work ethic.
“We’ll find a job for them,” he said.
On May 13, before presenting students with their job offers, W International held a ceremony for the students and their families. Representatives from Berkeley County and the school district were also invited.
W International Chief Business Officer Matt Hines told program completers that it is a hard job that will require a lot of family support – but they will work hard among the best welding professionals in the business.
“On your best days, you are the best welders in the world,” he said. “On your worst days, you are still better than 99 percent of all the other welders in the world for working on the components that you work on here.”
Chief Operating Officer Mark J. Schmitt, whom the training organization falls under, told visiting families that the participants did a great job during their time in the program.
“We need folks like your sons and daughters to step up and do the work that they’ve been trained to do,” he said. “It’s a significant day, and I would call this a defining moment for each one of your sons and daughters.”
Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Fowler said the company has hired welders over the years that have gone on to move up within the company; they are now supervisors, team leads, instructors, inspectors and more.
“We are not a stepping stone,” she said. “We are truly something that they can grasp, and have a 35 or 40-year career at, and build and grow.”
Company officials said they plan to continue to work closely with local schools and provide these opportunities to students.
Students were given some time to go over the offers before they make a decision, but many of the students already seem eager to jump on the opportunity – among them were Timberland High senior Dexter Davis and Cane Bay High senior Jacob Driggers.
“I am excited to see what I can be in this company,” Driggers said.
Over the past weeks, students have been arriving at W International at about 7 a.m. on Saturdays, working until noon. During that time they have learned different positions and techniques used in welding.
“It was a good program – especially for just coming out of high school,” Davis said.
Goose Creek High seniors Gerald Eisenhauer and James Kearns learned about the program from their teacher, Tim Burgsteiner, who started the high school’s welding program.
It was an experience the students knew they needed to seize because having a job lined up before graduating high school is a big deal.
“It’s something a lot of people don’t get to do,” Kearns said. “I can’t wait to get started here.”
All of the students spoke highly of the six instructors they worked under.
“The teachers were incredible,” Kearns said. “They want us here and they want to see us succeed.”
Eisenhauer reiterated that the program puts a major emphasis on teaching students about employability in general.
“It shows you what they’re expecting from you,” Eisenhauer said.
All the students recommend the opportunity to underclassmen considering a career involving welding.
“Definitely come check the place out,” Eisnhauer said.
Sonya D. Addison-Stewart, Director of Career and Technical Education for BCSD, said it was exciting to see BCSD students seize the opportunity.
“We are so very fortunate to have a partner as great as W International,” she said. “Their investment in our schools and CTE Programs support a seamless transition from school to careers for our students.”
Berkeley High
Jovanny Delgado
Adam King
Jordan Legare
Adam Short
Cane Bay High
Ron Corliss
Jacob Driggers
Ayden Goad
Elijah McClellan
Cross High
Tyler Askins
Antwan Mack
Goose Creek
Caden Carrigg
Gerald Eisenhauer
Jacob Haldeman
Owen Hart
Sean Huffman
James Kearns
Jacob Landis
Houston Walker
Hannah Wedding
Christopher Munro
Timberland High
Dexter Davis
De’Aunte Moore
Joseph Wright