Though high school was not in session, torches were aglow this month in the welding lab at Nome-Beltz High School where adult students from around the Bering Strait Region worked toward Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) certification. Sponsored by Kawerak, the class stretched most of July. Students dedicated time away from home and a busy subsistence season to learn this valuable trade.

This SMAW training wasn’t the first welding class for Darryl Takak, a student from Golovin. He also attended an aluminum welding course in Anchorage this spring, an opportunity sponsored by Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC.) While aluminum welding is applicable to the maritime industry, SMAW is used in a variety of industries including maintenance, repair, and construction. With the expansion project on the way at the Port of Nome and new infrastructure projects coming in to support it, Darryl is excited to broaden his welding skills.

Darryl Takak shares a piece displaying a technical skill from the SMAW certification course.

“Once I have this certification, I’ll be able to apply for a welding job locally. I’m already meeting with Kawerak to talk about working on my resume,” Darryl said.

Supporting students beyond technical training was an important part of the program. As part of the class, Kawerak’s Workforce Development team connected with welding students on a few evenings to talk about available services. The department shared support available for job hunting, building and fixing up resumes, or practicing interview skills. No matter where in the job seeking process, staff offered support to get students to that next step.

Students entered the class with a variety of goals and experiences. For Danielle Silook, the opportunity built on an interest she first discovered in high school. Originally from Gambell, Danielle got an introduction to welding when she was in high school in Nome. She is hoping this new certification will open up job opportunities for her as well. She knows the jobs tend to pay well and she likes the work.

“I enjoy being in the shop. Welding is something really fun to do, and it gets easier over time,” she said.

Danielle works in a welding booth at the lab in Nome-Beltz High School.

Danielle said she was excited to see this training come up as an opportunity based in the region. She’s thankful Kawerak and regional partners worked to put the class together.

“It was something I’ve been looking for. Instead of having to travel out of Nome to get the training, I’m glad they held it here, so I don’t have to leave,” Danielle said.

Making the training accessible close to home was made possible through collaboration. Regional organizations including Bering Straits Native Corporation and Norton Sound Health Corporation supported the training as well, providing transportation to and from the class and meal tickets for students at the NSHC cafe. The value of these partnerships extends beyond this single training program. They help prepare local residents for workforce opportunities that continue to grow across the region.

Welding instructor Brian Walsh said technical trades skills like welding are more valuable than ever. The demand for skilled workers is high and is expected to stay strong. This is true especially in the Bering Strait Region, with the port, DOT, and other employers increasing regional activity. But, Brian said, the opportunities these classes offer go well beyond the technical skills.

“These students are building confidence and building employability, no matter what their field of choice is once class is complete,” he said.

For many students, the training provided more than a welding certification. It offered practical skills, increased confidence, and a pathway toward employment opportunities close to home. Students completed their three-week training on July 25 with a final skills check off.

Interested in participating in vocational training? Kawerak sponsors a variety of trainings throughout the year, supporting regional residents in building employable skills. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities with Kawerak: www.kawerak.org/training and follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/kawerak