Montana Technical Institute in Butte offers a two-year program where students are introduced to welding fabrication, pipe and structural welding, and aluminum welding — but a faster-track does exist.

Earlier this month, 10 students from a welding class that Jeff Schultz has taught at Superior School for nine years would most likely be eligible for that fast-track program. Each student received the AWS 1G welding certification at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. 

“The most that we’ve ever had pass was four,” said Schultz. “Earlier this year I took my other class up there and we had one out of seven passed. So having 10 out of 10 was crazy. Nobody could believe it. All of the instructors couldn’t believe it.” 

It was a record setting day that deserved a letter from FVCC to Superior High School Principal Angie Gray. 

"On behalf of my welding instructors, and our entire Trades program, I’d like to congratulate you, the students, and Mr. Schultz," wrote Blake W. Thompson, director of trades and industrial arts at Flathead Valley Community College. "To my knowledge, we have never had any group of running start students come to Kalispell and complete their welder testing with a 100% successful pass rate. Having taken many weld tests myself, I can tell you they can be very challenging, even to a seasoned welder. Those students really set the bar high. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, they’re an outstanding group of students and staff. It’s our sincere hope that these nationally recognized professional welding credentials that they worked so hard for will serve them well in their futures. Thanks very much for your support and role in bringing this success to fruition. We look forward to working with your students again…it’s always a privilege."

FVCC works with 16 other schools in Montana for this accreditation. The 1G position is a flat welding position. In this weld position, welders put metal pieces right below the torch. This position is performed for butt, groove, and fillet welds as well. Measurements of 1/16th of an inch are examined.

So, what is the reason the students took this welding class?

According to Maggie Hayworth, "I did it in junior high with Mr. Schultz and really liked it. So, I took it in high school."

Rainier Acker said, "I really liked it. It looked really fun. And it was fun."

Conrad Talbot said, "My dad told me to do it."

According to Jack Kemp, "I did it because I want to be a welder when I’m out of school."

Landon Richards said, "I did welding as I think it will help me when I’m out of school with mechanics."

Turner Milender said, "I wanted to do welding because I saw it as a start of my career out if high school."

Hannah Vanderploeg added, "I did welding so that I can be better than my dad."

And according to Josie Crabb, "I took welding to try something new."