Printer Friendly Version - Westbrook High School Announces Phase 1 of Welding Lab Renovations and Expansion

The wall removal and signing of purple sledgehammers marked the commencement of phase one of the Westbrook High School (WHS) welding program. Pictured are Ms. Tara Winch, WHS Principal; Mr. Paul Pessoni, WHS technology education teacher; Ms. Leslie Carson, WHS career/college readiness coordinator; Dr. Kim Walker, Westbrook Board of Education Chair; Mr. John Hall, Westbrook First Selectman; and Dr. Kristina Martineau, Westbrook Superintendent of Schools; along with representatives from General Dynamics Electric Boat: Ms. Jessica Key, Ms. Nancy Martin, and Mr. William Barber. Photo courtesy of Westbrook Public Schools

Press release from Kristina J. Martineau, Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools

Just before the official start of April spring school recess, representatives from Electric Boat joined members of the Westbrook High School staff, as well as school and community leaders, to begin the process of removing the wall between the metals workshop and outdated lab space. This effort marks a critical first step to renovate, expand, and transform the high school metals workshop into a high-quality, industry-standard, welding facility.

The wall removal was completed during the April school recess. After the wall was removed, expanded space for a welding lab that will house 8 to 10 welding stations was visible, along with a fabrication lab that will include an industry grade plasma cutter once renovations are completed.

In collaboration with General Dynamics Electric Boat, Westbrook Public Schools (WPS) is in the process of redesigning the metals workshop and technology education area to support an industry-quality and workforce-ready welding facility that will include an expanded workshop with additional welding stations and a new fabrication workspace. Students will have the opportunity to take four welding courses to gain highly marketable and much-needed skills in the welding trade.

Curriculum for each course will be aligned to American Welding Society professional certification standards. Students who successfully complete the first two courses in the series will be eligible to apply for a paid summer internship experience at Electric Boat to increase their skills in welding for the shipbuilding industry that is expanding in the southeastern area of Connecticut, in addition to learning more about the high-demand job opportunities at Electric Boat for them after high school graduation or while enrolled in post-secondary and college programs for trade or engineering. Students who successfully complete all four courses will have the opportunity to apply for the more advanced summer welding apprenticeship program.

WPS looks forward to keeping the community updated on this incredible opportunity. WPS is also in the process of exploring a partnership with a community college, so that students enrolled in the high school welding program will earn college credits in addition to welding certifications.

The new welding program and upgraded lab facility are set to open at the start of the 2023-’24 school year in late August 2023.