The trade I want to pursue in my post-high school career is welding. I am planning on going to Advanced Welding Institute (AWI) in Eagle River, Wisconsin for the six-month structural and pipe welding program. I have enjoyed welding all throughout high school, but I have gained even more a liking of it in the past couple years when I started doing more fun things such as pipe welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. I have taken metal shop for four years and this year was able to take a full welding program through our local Career Technical Education provided by the Copper Country Intermediate School District. Our metal shop went on a school visit to the welding program at Gogebic Community College. There I was able to take and pass certification in 3G Tig Open Root. This helped to increase my confidence in my welding capabilities. At a family function I met the recruiter for AWI. In talking to her and taking a tour of the school I feel like this would be a perfect fit for me. The program provides a go-at-your-own pace structure which would allow me to gain as many certifications as I can while still providing the ability to spend more time on the types of welding I am most interested in. The work-like days and required welding hours will prepare me for work. The instructors seemed very knowledgeable and motivational. I am very thankful that the State of Michigan has allowed the trade programs to count toward math and science credit for high school graduation. Before the change, I was struggling in my math and science classes and did not know what I wanted to do. Being able to take these classes has opened many doors for me. I had not planned to pursue further education after high school and these trades opportunities have changed my outlook on my future. I have already been able to apply some of the welding skills I've learned, fixing our log splitter at home, the sides for the high school's plow, and a family friend's table saw. I made a flower for my mom and seeing her smile at receiving something I created brought me joy as well. Fixing and creating things is very satisfying. Beginning a career in welding would mean everything to me. I've spent all of high school learning and getting better at this trade. I would be very proud of myself for sticking through and accomplishing my dream. A welding career will allow me travel the country doing pipe welding and provide a solid foundation for my life and future.

The trade I want to pursue in my post-high school career is welding. I am planning on going to Advanced Welding Institute (AWI) in Eagle River, Wisconsin for the six-month structural and pipe welding program. I have enjoyed welding all throughout high school, but I have gained even more of a liking to it in the past couple years when I started doing more fun things such as pipe welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. I have taken metal shop for four years and this year was able to take a full welding program through our local Career Technical Education provided by the Copper Country Intermediate School District. Our metal shop went on a school visit to the welding program at Gogebic Community College. There I was able to take and pass certification in 3G Tig Open Root. This helped to increase my confidence in my welding capabilities. At a family function I met the recruiter for AWI. In talking to her and taking a tour of the school I feel like it would be a perfect fit for me. The program provides a go-at-your-own pace structure which would allow me to gain as many certifications as I can while still providing the ability to spend more time on the types of welding I am most interested in. The work-like days and required welding hours will prepare me for work. The instructors seemed very knowledgeable and motivational. I am very thankful that the State of Michigan has allowed the trade programs to count toward math and science credit for high school graduation. Before the change, I was struggling in my math and science classes and did not know what I wanted to do. Being able to take these classes has opened many doors for me. I had not planned to pursue further education after high school and these trades opportunities have changed my outlook on my future. I have already been able to apply some of the welding skills I've learned, fixing our log splitter at home, the sides for the high school's plow, and a family friend's table saw. I made a flower for my mom and seeing her smile at receiving something I created brought me joy as well. Fixing and creating things is very satisfying. Beginning a career in welding would mean everything to me. I've spent all of high school learning and getting better at this trade. I would be very proud of myself for sticking through and accomplishing my dream. A welding career will allow me travel the country doing pipe welding and provide a solid foundation for my life and future.