For Immediate Release

Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Seacoast School of Technology Welding Program Prepares Students for Careers Following Graduation 

EXETER — Inside the welding shop at Seacoast School of Technology, 18 seniors from around the region are perfecting their skills by working on in-house projects and ones commissioned by outside companies.

And in an industry that’s starving for workers, students who complete the SST’s welding technologies program leave with a highly coveted set of skills that can be applied to a number of careers immediately following graduation.

“Manufacturing is New Hampshire’s largest industry, and with more than 300 products made solely in-state, businesses are on the hunt for talented welders that can help expand their company,” said SST welding instructor Jonathan Theberge. “Every project out there comes with a need for welders. From housing to medical systems to building engines, there are so many avenues students can pursue depending on their interests.”

Students are currently working on a project for Untha, a Hampton-based company that constructs industrial shredders for a variety of needs. For the last few weeks they’ve been welding a stand for the base of a shredder and will later build a hopper (feeder) that will be placed on top.

Once completed, Untha will use the device — which is expected to stand approximately 2 feet high and weigh about 400 pounds — to destroy lithium ion batteries through an underwater shredding process.

On Oct. 22, Pierce Rock-Carlson, Exeter High School, was working the drill press to puncture holes into the steel base of the shredder so that it could be bolted to the ground once completed. He’d later use tungsten inert gas welding to fuse pieces of the stand and hopper together.

“What I like about welding is that every job I do is a little more challenging,” Rock-Carlson said. “Mr. Theberge is always trying to give me projects that will help me progress and get better.”

In another area of the shop, Chad Reardon, Winnacunnet High School, and Jonathan Tarasuik, Sanborn Regional High School, were working on putting together a 3-foot metal shelf for SST’s front lobby. The original design, which has an industrial feel to it, features two shelves connected by piping. Once affixed in the school’s vestibule, parents will be able to quickly drop off items for students without having to fully enter the building.

The two seniors, now in their second year of the welding program, are focusing on improving and expanding their skill set for post-secondary education and careers after SST.

“Through this program, you have so many opportunities once you leave here,” Reardon said. “I’d love to implement welding into in an engineering career in the future.”

About Seacoast School of Technology:

The Seacoast School of Technology is the regional Career and Technical Center serving high school students from Epping, Exeter, Newmarket, Raymond, Sanborn Regional and Winnacunnet high schools.

SST offers selective coursework preparing students for their lives after high school- college, work or the military. Many of their 12 programs allow students to earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Most importantly, students get the opportunity to explore areas of interest in a hands-on environment with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.

To find out more, visit seacoasttech.com.

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