Kennebec Valley Community College recently hosted a Welding and Fabrication Day Camp for area high school juniors and seniors with the support of the KVCC Foundation. Ten students from area high schools received hands-on introduction in metal fabrication and welding while applying their new skills to a bird feeder project, according to a news release from the college.

The students started the week learning about welding safety in the lab, equipment, gear and clothing basics then moved to learning the welding blue prints for their bird feeder. In the machining lab, KVCC Precision Machining Instructor Jeff Godin introduced students to milling machines, drill presses, saws and lathes, and the students ended the week learning about surface grinding. They also had the opportunity to see the plasma cutter in action as they created metal ornaments for their feeders. Welding Instructor Brian Jonah worked with students in his lab to teach two welding techniques, stick (SMAW) and flux core (FCAW) welding for project assembly. By week’s end students completed their bird feeder project with a competition for best welded project.

Bryson Dostie, a Lawrence High School student, works on his welding project at the Welding and Fabrication Day Camp at Kennebec Valley Community College. Contributed photo

KVCC Precision Machining Instructor Jeff Godin at the Welding and Fabrication Day Camp. Contributed photo

DJ Lorraine, a Messalonskee High School student, work on his welding project at the Welding and Fabrication Day Camp at Kennebec Valley Community College. Contributed photo

Dean Jeff Sneddon of KVCC’s Institute of Workforce Training and Professional Development, said that “it is very encouraging to see high school students participating in occupational training while still in school. It gives them a better understanding of how skills development and employment pathways are inter-related,” according to the release.

For more information, visit kvcc.me.edu.

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