Sidney teacher Jay Waltz (back row, far right) wth the rest of the class who recently completed welding training.

Sidney CSD agriculture teacher Jay Waltz recently completed an intensive week in Wichita, Kansas at the NC3/Lincoln Electric Welding training.

Waltz has been working to be a welding trainer to help with the program at Sidney.

He was one of four high school educators in the class of 24, which featured others from career and technical colleges, or those in the oil/pipeline industry.

Over the course of five 8-hour classes, Waltz completed 10 written exams, and four welding practical exams.

“This was the most difficult, challenging, and intense training as an educator that I have ever experienced,” he said. “I am very excited for Sidney to be able to offer welding certifications though NC3 and Lincoln Electric, which is the number one welding school in the world. With that said, the tools and resources I will now be able to provide to our students through the certification path will lead the region in welding career preparation.”

Starting in September, Sidney students will have the opportunity to earn welding certifications in the following:

• Welding Safety

• Principles of Welding

• GMAW (Mig)

• SMAW (Stick)

• FCAW (Flux Core)

In the future, certifications will also be offered in GTAW (tig), welding math, and welding fabrication 1.

“Mr. Waltz is a true definition of a lifelong learner,” Sidney CSD Eben Bullock said. “He challenges himself professionally to advance his learning, which creates additional certifications and opportunities for our students and better prepare them for them in their careers.”