Key Takeaways:
- Citrus County high schools are offering Welding Technology Fundamentals courses with immersive virtual welding technology
- The program provides hands-on, high-demand workforce training and prepares students for real careers
- The virtual welding environment teaches correct technique, provides immediate feedback, and mirrors real-world industry expectations
- The program aims to have students ready to secure welding jobs directly from high school
- Students can earn certifications and continue their training at Withlacoochee Technical College or other welding programs
Introduction to Welding Technology Fundamentals
Citrus County high schools are providing students with a range of exciting and practical opportunities, including Welding Technology Fundamentals courses. This program brings hands-on, high-demand workforce training directly into the classrooms, preparing young people for real careers and real lives. The course is designed to help beginners succeed while building a strong foundation for advanced skills. Recently, a visit to Mr. Jesse Wininger’s welding classroom at Citrus High School showcased the impressive virtual welding environment that looks, sounds, and reacts like the real thing.
The Virtual Welding Environment
The advanced virtual welding training system places students into lifelike welding scenarios where every action matters. As students weld, they see a realistic weld puddle form in real-time, hear authentic welding sounds, and experience sparks, slag, grinding, and cooling, all of which respond instantly to how they move and adjust their technique. This immediate feedback makes the learning process both exciting and intuitive, especially for students who may be new to welding. The system teaches correct technique by showing welding defects when students make mistakes and reinforces good habits through demonstrations of successful welds and guided lessons.
Mirroring Real-World Industry Expectations
The program mirrors real-world industry expectations by having students learn proper machine setup by following authentic Welding Procedure Specifications. They select the correct welding process, gas type, gas flow, voltage or amperage, and wire-feed speed, just as professional welders do on the job. Every weld is tracked and scored in real-time, measuring key factors such as work angle, travel angle, speed, distance, and position. This clear, data-driven feedback helps students understand exactly what they are doing well and where improvement is needed.
Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Students
The program is welcoming and empowering for all students, including girls. Sophomore Adrienne German confidently demonstrated her welding skills, declaring that girls are better welders than boys. Her confidence spoke volumes, not just about her abilities, but about how empowering this program is for all students. Welding is no longer seen as limited by stereotypes; it is a skill open to anyone willing to learn and work hard. Mr. Wininger, an experienced welder himself, explained that the goal of the program goes far beyond classroom success, aiming to have students ready to secure welding jobs directly from high school.
Preparing Students for the Workforce
To support this goal, students participate in field trips to industry operations, such as the Florida Commercial Diving Institute and E-ONE, to learn about real-world applications of their skills. The program provides Mr. Wininger with detailed performance analysis for each student, showing precisely how and why a weld was successful or where it fell short. Students receive immediate, gamified feedback through scoring and charting, which keeps them motivated and focused on improvement. Once a student consistently achieves a score of 80 or above, they are allowed to move on to a real-world welding environment using actual equipment, ensuring safety, readiness, and confidence before transitioning to live welding.
Expanding Opportunities
The program was made possible through a Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program awarded to Citrus County Schools. This year, welding is currently available at Citrus High School and Lecanto High School, with plans to expand the program to Crystal River High School. These expansions will ensure that even more students across the county can benefit from this cutting-edge training. Special thanks are due to the Citrus Schools Career and Technical Education Department, led by Director Debra Stanley, and her dedicated team, including CTE Specialist and grant writer Dana Sternberg, for their hard work in applying for and securing these grants.
Forging Futures
Welding Technology Fundamentals is more than a class; it is a pathway. Students can take the certifications they earn and continue their training at Withlacoochee Technical College or other welding programs. Along the way, they also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that apply far beyond the welding booth. Right here in Citrus County Schools, they are forging futures, one spark at a time. The program is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers. By offering hands-on training and real-world experience, Citrus County Schools are setting students up for success and preparing them for the workforce.
