Welding and automotive technology students at Kootenai Technical Education Campus are about to enjoy expanded space and inventory, thanks to the more than $300,000 in grants their programs have just been awarded.

"The state of Idaho just got approved for $4 million throughout the state for career technical education expansion," welding instructor Katie Johnston said Friday. "We are expanding."

Johnston and auto tech instructor TJ Robertson applied for their programs to receive a chunk of the funds. They received the good news in the first couple weeks of school that they will be awarded $120,420 and $192,702, respectively.

The welding program currently has 100 students and 27 work station booths. The grant funding will pay for the addition of 50 new welding booths, stocked with everything students will need — welders, toolboxes, grinders, welding helmets, jackets and more.

Johnston said it was crazy when she got the call from her boss, KTEC Director Colby Matilla, letting her know the grants were approved.

"I just couldn't believe it, I was so excited," she said. "It was a relief, because I'm like, 'How are we going to fund this expanding program and our state funds aren't that much?' We were going to fundraise and get by with what we had, look for donations. This just takes so much stress off our part."

First-year welding student Erik Wise, a Coeur d'Alene High School junior, said the grants are well deserved.

"There's always going to be a need for these types of jobs," he said. "It's a good thing kids are learning these trades. Trades make the world turn."

KTEC has also hired another full-time welding instructor to accommodate for the demand for the program, Johnston said, and the classroom itself will be built out to make room for more students.

"The additional equipment will make it possible to offer more opportunities for students in the area," Matilla said.

The auto tech program grant money will help pay for two 2022 vehicles for students to work on, as well as new tools, tool boxes, air-conditioning machines and electrical-training kits.

"They get to actually build an electric board and test it," Robertson said.

He said he was elated to hear the grants were approved.

"We're doing good things getting this for the kids," he said. "All my kids were excited. I told them about it when I wrote it, and then they were really excited about getting new equipment and new cars."

Currently, the newest vehicles students have to work on are from 2014. Matilla said new cars speak for themselves.

"Just being able to update and be on the cutting edge of technology keeps our students sharp and at the front of the pack," he said.

LCHS senior Devon Gaurin is among Robertson's students eager to tinker on a brand-new car.

"We get to learn the new technology with vehicles becoming all electronic now," he said. "With the new vehicles, it gives us more education. And education is power."

CHS senior Will Tigerd said he plans to go to trade school after he graduates.

"I plan on becoming an official automotive mechanic afterwards," he said. "We're all working for a better future."