CCHS welding students attend expo; program receives $28,000 grant from Airgas

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Some students in the Charles City High School welding program took an educational trip to Chicago Monday, and the welding department received a grant worth more than $28,000.

The welders received the grant from Airgas to install a new ventilation and exhaust system in the welding lab at Charles City High School.

CCHS is one of 13 schools in the United States that is partnering with Airgas through a new education program, the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative.

The school district determined that an effective weld fume collection system was needed, and submitted a grant request for the award. The total cost of the equipment is $60,402, reduced by the Airgas award of $28,402. The school district will be responsible for $32,000. The school board approved the award in July.

Airgas, a U.S. subsidiary of Air Liquide, is a leading supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding hardgoods, and safety products, and has more than 1,400 locations.

Jon Tofte, account manager for Airgas in Mason City, traveled with Charles City welding students on Monday to Chicago, where they attended the 2019 FabTech Expo. FabTech is the premier metal forming, fabrication, welding, and finishing event in North America.

CHS welding students who attended FabTech were Drew Staudt, Chase Crooks, and Keetan Kirby, along with teacher Bret Spurgin.

“The students were able to explore and interact with over 1,700 companies and learn about the diverse career opportunities in the welding and manufacturing Industries, see the newest innovations, practice and learn hands-on skills,” said Spurgin. “The highlight for the students was learning how to program and run a robotic welder.”