Why have I decided to pursue a career in welding? Allow me to tell you a little bit about myself. I am currently a high school senior at WAMOGO High School and enrolled in the agriculture program. I was also diagnosed as Dyslexic in fourth grade; the most effective learning style is when it is hands-on/ visual. I have always had an interest in Architecture, but I do not foresee myself as someone who wants to attend college for five years, at least not at this time. I have always thought I would be happiest in a career where I am not stationary but offered the ability to move around to different job sites and locations. That is what partially steered me towards considering a trade school, I like the thought of having the ability to continue my education without sitting in lectures, writing papers, and incurring excessive debt. During my Junior year, I had the opportunity to take a Mechanics class. I decided to take this class because I enjoy fixing and making things. I also find it important to have ample life skills so I can do more for myself and be independent as an adult. The Mechanics class covered numerous units, but the one I found most intriguing was Welding. The Welding unit taught us about the different techniques; TIG, MIG, and Arc. It covered how the different techniques are used for multiple purposes depending on the job or equipment being constructed or repaired. We had the opportunity to do some welding ourselves and develop an appreciation for the skill needed to become a quality welder. As with most blue-collared trades Welding is appreciated, people go through their everyday life and don’t realize how much welding work is around them. So many everyday items require welding to become a finished product, buildings, bridges, cars, electronics, jewelry, etc. All skilled trades have a demand for qualified workers and Welding is no exception. A qualified Welder is just as important as an Electrician or Plumber, and we cannot afford to have Welding become a dying trade. Currently, it is estimated that the need for Welders will go up 8% by 2030, this is partially because there aren’t as many people as necessary going into the trade combined with the average age of the welding industry being over 40+. I find the opportunities in Welding to be exciting and endless. Everything from Art to Architecture requires welding. The ability to move anywhere in the world and possess a necessary skill that is in demand makes my options limitless. I am excited to continue my education next year as I embark on my career of choice.