You might think of welding as simply a “dirty job”, according to Denise Hevner, Highland’s welding program director. But Hevner teaches her students to be capable, quick-thinking, and innovative.
Hevner was recognized by Granite Credit Union as an outstanding teacher and was given a cash reward to help further fund her welding program.
Hevner originally attended Highland’s welding program as a student. She became a certified welder before graduation and has several students in the apprenticeship program today. She took over after the program’s previous director retired. Now, many of her students have gone on to start their own businesses.
“Welding is not a class for someone who is lazy,” Hevner said. “A lot of people think a shop class is just an easy A, … but you have to be dependable, hardworking, and put in the effort.”
Charlotte “Charlie” Consiglio is one of those hardworking seniors, and one of Hevner’s students. She comes to school every other day, and when she’s not at school, she’s working on welding ladders for ski lifts. She says that the key to balancing work and school is to stay on top of homework and pay attention in class.
“[Ms. Hevner] gives me so much encouragement, and I was so unsure about my welding ability when I first started, but she wouldn’t let me quit,” Consiglio said. “She pushed me to keep going.”
Hevner says that watching Charlie and her other students growing up in the welding industry is so rewarding, especially being an apprentice herself in high school.
Hevner aims her students to learn life skills and prepare for working, hands on, in the welding field. She says that many people would be surprised to know that some types of welding make very good money. Hevner said that the average beginning welder can start at $80 t0 $100 an hour, and with the integration of robotics and new technologies, the future of welding is changing.
“I have several students that have surpassed my own welding skills. A few of them became underwater welders,” Hevner said.
Welding is a type of class, as are many in the CTE program, that can lead directly to careers right out of high school. And Hevner has created a program that is respected across the industry.
