Out of all the activities Baldwin High School has to offer, welding has been the most beneficial to senior  Ashton Wood and is pointing him in the direction of his future career. There are currently 418,200 jobs available and 60 welding institutions for welding in the United States, according to Indeed and careers in welding. 

Wood plans to attend The Missouri Welding institute to further his skills. There are three main types of welding: arc, mig and tig. Wood has a preference for which type of weld he is best with.

“I would have to say, Arc Welding, you have to control the puddle and move with a steady hand,” Wood said.

Wood has learned many skills in welding.

“Getting the amps correct for the metal you are using, you have to prep the metal, and have the correct rod,” Wood said.

Tom Harman has been Wood’s welding teacher for all four years. He has many great memories of Wood. 

“Working on Brant Brittingham’s lockers, he wanted lockers for his kids and all the troubles Ashton had with it,” Harman said. 

Harman has high expectations for Wood to continue his career in welding. 

“I don’t have a doubt that he will do great in his field,” Harman said