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The following students helped with the welding project: Derek Arellano, Daniel Bowers, Enoch Franklin, Dawson Fuller, Randall Griggs, Dexter Kearns, Andy Ledford, Landon Stepp, Cayden Shuler, Lawson Woodard, and Zack Winchester.
Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Swain County High School welding students recently completed a project for Bryson City’s Island Park, designing and building a new gate and sign.
The following students helped with the welding project: Derek Arellano, Daniel Bowers, Enoch Franklin, Dawson Fuller, Randall Griggs, Dexter Kearns, Andy Ledford, Landon Stepp, Cayden Shuler, Lawson Woodard, and Zack Winchester.
Welding instructor Buck Jenkins said the town reached out asking if his program was interested in building the gate. “There were some considerations we had to make, and we designed and submitted it and got it,” he said.
How much did the students do? 90%
“I just guided them in the right direction and helped with ideas and procedures,” Jenkins said.
It took about a 1 ½ weeks to construct the gate and sign.
Student Cayden Shuler explained considerations in the design included making it the right dimensions, symmetrical and effective.
“Before we designed it, we took a walkabout at the park and saw people fishing, and we decided we wanted it to look good and be the best for what they’re looking for,” Shuler said.
The design welcomes visitors to the park, too, with decorative trout that adorn the gate and a sign above in metal that reads Island Park.
“We cut the trout and letters from the Island Park with the new C&C plasma table,” explained Shuler. This was done by finding the desired images of trout online and transforming them with a computer program to the finished product cut out with the machine. He said they could be proud of the project as something in the community that will be there for several years to come.
Student Andy Ledford said the challenges of the project included learning how to cut 45-degree angles and making it square. He said he enjoys the welding program because it’s hands on, presents challenges and he’s learning new things all the time.
The welding program started in fall 2016 and has continued to be popular. This semester, there are 26 in the program with 10 who will graduate this year with certifications. To do so, they take 4 courses, or about 16 credit hours, in their junior and senior years.
“The numbers have grown, and several have completed the program in the past couple of years,” said Barbara Sneed, CTE director at Swain.
It’s part of the Certified Technical Education (CTE) programs at Swain County High School, made available through a partnership with Southwestern Community College.
Both Shuler and Ledford are working toward earning welding certificates.
“It’s a good skill to have. I’m very interested in it, it’s fun, challenging, you learn new stuff every single day,” Shuler said.
The program was able to start through support from EPIC Constructors and Erectors, Inc., Deborah Lindsay, Mike Lindsay and John and Freda Livingston.
Welding students have also contributed to several projects on campus like making a gate for the new road at the school, and creating a metal stencil for painting Maroon Devils logos at campus. They even have a large charcoal grill they built that is used for school functions.
Last week, the students were finishing up a welding project on a trailer owned by a former teacher. They had also recently finished working on a boat and built a hunting dog boxes for Ledford’s truck.
Funding for projects like this go toward supplies— metal isn’t cheap, Jenkins points out— and to support the welding program.
Zack Winchester, also working toward a welding certificate, said he would encourage other students to enroll in the program because it’s fun.
“They can learn new skills, they can learn to overcome obstacles and work out their frustrations,” Winchester said. They can “weld it out and get better at things and learn to take their time,” he added, as welding requires patience and problem-solving.
It could also lead to a career that pays well, he said.
Lawson Woodard, also earning a certificate, said he finds spending time in the welding workshop is relaxing. He also said they have the best teacher in Jenkins.