Grundy County High School welding class students watch as AEDC craftsman Chester Stovall works with a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder. (Photo by Rick Goodfriend)
Walt Bishop, ATA Test Support Branch manager, introduced the students to several key Model Shop staff and explained that the shop is where the hardware for most of the AEDC test projects starts.
Bishop added, “I was very impressed with the class. The Grundy County welding program, currently headed up by Robin Dykes and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Gina Sons, is well respected beyond middle Tennessee and has produced some of the finest welding talent we have.”
The students were encouraged to hone their skills and consider attending a technical college once they graduate.
Bishop stated he hopes this is the case, as more welders will be needed soon.
“The average age of a welder in the United States is 63. What this means is that in five to 10 years the demand for welders will be increasing and we really need to support and encourage the local CTE programs and their students. The future is bright for the students who are not only skilled but are also not afraid to work.
AEDC currently has about 47 welders at the Model Shop and more than 100 others across the Complex.
As a way to contribute to the success of GCHS’s welding students, ATA recently provided the school with a $2,500 donation.
