MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, a national tour stopped in Manistique to give students hands-on experience in blue-collar fields.
The Western Welding Academy brought its Blue Collar Tour to Manistique Middle and High School.
“We’re traveling the country,” said Quacy Wilson, Director of Student Selection for the Welding Academy. “We’re going to hit 32 high schools in 60 days, teaching kids the importance of the blue-collar trades.”
Students watched demonstrations on different types of welding, then put on their gear and tried it themselves. For some of them, it was their first time.
“Kids need to understand that college is not the only option,” Wilson said. “You can be in a blue-collar trade, make good money, take care of a family. Blue-collar trades are the backbone of our nation, and they’re super important.”
Despite the historical importance and benefits of blue-collar jobs, Wilson says welding and other trades are struggling to find workers.
“American Welding Society says right now, there’s a shortage of 400,000 welders,” he said. “Even if the best welding schools in the country graduated 1,000 kids a year, the average age of a blue-collar worker is 45 to 56 years old, and they’re retiring faster than we can replace them.”
By putting the tools in their hands, the Blue Collar Tour encourages students to fill those open positions.
“I started welding freshmen year and I actually really liked it,” said senior Kaden Bradley. “It turned out I was actually pretty decent at it, so I thought I’d try it. I’m glad this is happening. It’s pretty cool.”
“I’m not that great at it,” said sophomore Jeffery Lampin, “but it teaches us and helps us. We’re grateful.”
Now, the Western Welding Academy is heading for Illinois, the next of 21 remaining stops on the Blue Collar Tour.
“Join a blue-collar trade!” said Wilson. “The country depends on it. Plumbers, machinists, mechanics, electricians, any of it. It’s super important. If we can inspire one kid today, we’ve done our job.”
For more information on the Blue Collar Tour, click here.
