4-H Junior High Welding Class Held at SIC

Southeastern Illinois College recently welcomed local youth to campus for a 4-H Spin Club Welding Class held in the SIC Welding Lab. Over the course of five evenings, students learned welding safety, basic welding procedures, and skills used in the welding and farm industries.

For many of the students, this was their very first experience with welding. By the end of the class, they had built projects they are proud to display this summer at their county fairs. Some individual projects included boot racks, camping grates, welded names, and horseshoe art.

The class was led by Mr. Doug Mayfield, Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at SIC. Mayfield, a Hardin County resident and former high school and college welding instructor for 30 years, enjoyed introducing students to a trade that continues to be in high demand across the region.

“It was great to watch the students gain confidence each night through hands-on experience,” Mayfield said. “They were eager to learn, worked hard, and were a lot of fun to teach.”

Mayfield also thanked Mr. Jerry Jones and Mr. Johnathon Vinyard for assisting in the welding lab throughout the class.

Junior high students from several local counties participated in the program, giving them an opportunity to explore welding skills and learn more about careers in the skilled trades.

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