Ivy Tech, Huntington North Partner on Welding Program

Students learn to weld at the Ivy Tech Community College welding lab in Fort Wayne. (photo provided)

As the state of Indiana continues to push high school students and adults toward certificates in highly needed jobs, Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is responding.

Ivy Tech and Huntington North High School have expanded their welding dual-enrollment program to meet industry surging industry demand.

The high school last fall introduced welding into their technical education in partnership with Ivy Tech.

The schools said there has been such workforce demand and student interest, the Ivy Tech campus has hired an instructor to provide welding instruction at the high school on a full-time basis.

“We are locally training our future workforce to the same standards as industry before they even leave high school,” said Tiffanney Drummond, Director of Career & Technical Education at Huntington North H.S.

There are currently 19 Huntington North students enrolled in the program, which takes place in the Huntington Co. Community Learning Center.

“This program creates a graduation pathway completer and can help them earn a Technical Honors diploma. It is allowing students to pursue their passion and get a jump start on their future,” said Drummond.

After two years of instruction, the students will earn a certification in structural welding technology. Drummond said the 21 credit hours can then transfer toward an associate degree at Ivy Tech or lead directly to a job.