"We review the important safety standards before we come, then each student is paired with a JVS welding student for some one-on-one instruction," Firelands Ag Mechanics and FFA advisor Shannon Thome, said. "When the students are done with their instruction they know how to run a bead, do basic arc welding and have a working knowledge of a butt weld, lap weld, and T-weld."

"Since the new JVS welding lab was designed with state-of-the-art equipment and the students receive individual instruction, they learn enough in one day to begin work on their assigned welding projects once we return to our home school lab," Thome said.

As an added bonus, while at the JVS the students also had the opportunity to use a virtual welder that was on loan to the school from a company in Montreal, Canada.

"Virtual welding equipment has many advantages," welding engineer Claude Choquet said. He designed the virtual welder and brought it to the JVS to observe how high school students interacted with the technology.

"First of all it's eco-friendly, and we can train welders in a safe and clean environment. Moreover, it's a great way for students to try out welding and see if they are going to like it before they make a commitment to a program," Choquet said.

"It's also designed to run practice certification tests," he said. "If students hone their skills on the virtual welder first, they won't waste material and money retaking tests. They will be well prepared the first time around."

JVS welding instructor Mark Schreiber hosts students each year from both Wellington and Firelands high schools.

"There isn't anything more important we can do to help students make decisions about a JVS program then give them some exposure to the equipment and a chance to talk with students in the program," he said.