Class sparks students’ interest
What
do you get when you combine wood, pipe and metal, add some power tools,
compressed gases and electricity, and top it off with 20 teenagers who are
eager to learn?
The
result is the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School agricultural mechanics and
welding class. Taught by Ms. Kathy Bibby, the class
is sponsored by the county’s Regional Occupational Program. Both beginning and
advanced classes are offered, and students learn in an entirely hands-on
environment.
“It’s
an enjoyable class, where I learn skills that will be valuable to me for future
employment,” says Brian Nickel, who is enrolled in his first year of the
program.
The
first semester begins with a unit on shop safety, and students cannot proceed
past that point until they pass a safety test. The class then studies rope
work, including knot tying and splicing. The next topic is electrical circuits,
and students wire a plug to a switch to a receptacle, which illuminates a light
bulb.
Measuring
and surveying is next, followed by plumbing, then woodwork. After mastering the
use of woodworking tools, each student cuts, drills, assembles and sands a
birdhouse, using only one fence board.
The
majority of second semester will be focused on welding and metalwork.
The
students will learn how to perform three welds using electric arc, metal inert
gas and tungsten inert gas welding machines.
They
will also tackle oxyacetylene torch welding.
The
required welding project is a three-inch steel die, scaled up and complete with
accurately placed holes for the dots.
By
carrying out this project from start to finish, students will acquire knowledge
of many aspects of welding.
In
fact, several past students who completed the course have gone on to become
certified welders.
The agricultural mechanics and welding class gives
students an opportunity to gain vocational skills related to agriculture and
helps them open doors to possible future careers.