‘Training for the industry’ Welding school ready for students

by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor

The Industrial Arts Institute officially opened its doors to the public for the first time May 29 to show area residents the progress that’s been made toward opening a welding school in Onaway.

All seems in place for the inaugural classes, which begin Aug. 4 at the former Art Van/Brewbaker building.

Those attending the open house had a chance to visit the classrooms, talk with new school executive director Georgia Abbott, and try out a virtual welding simulator.

“We planned for 300 and we’ve had at least 250,” said Marilyn Kapp Moran, interim executive director. “I was doing exit interviews, and everyone is just blown away. They did not expect it to be this nice. We want it to be state-of-the-art, and prove ourselves with the welding class, and move on to other disciplines.”

Kapp said a few students already have signed up, but Tom Moran insists the welding school is not geared to train his future workforce, but for trainees to go out in the world and apply the trade.

“It’s training for the industry, not Moran Iron Works,” he said. “We obviously want some of our graduates. Michigan is a manufacturing state. We have a lot of manufacturers that can’t get enough help. So, it’s really about training for the industry. We want some people to go where they want to go. Whether it is the east or west coast, or the south. We want Onaway to be the destination for world class training.”

Tom Moran said there will be administrative classes, as well as computer aided drafting and design.

“It won’t just be welding for very long,” said Tom Moran. “We have a lot of other things on the horizon.”

The first course will be 15 weeks and potential students can find more information at the IAI offices along Washington Avenue. The office has been open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applications are available online.

Abbott said it was important to the community get an understanding about what IAI is about.

“There are gaps in the Michigan workforce and this institute hopes to serve that,” said Abbott. “We are looking for individuals finishing their high school education, but it will be a great place for those between 20 and 30, or returning from the service. People changing careers, or who have been displaced.”

Abbott has a background in higher education and running a school.

It will be an intensive program, eight hours a day, Monday through Friday.

“We

also look at this as a economic driver for the community,” said Kapp Moran. “If you are bringing in students from out of the area they have to find lodging. They have to have meals. So, we see this as a good way to start some new businesses in town.”

“To say I am excited is an understatement,” said Tom Moran. “It is a great thing for Moran Iron Works, it’s a great thing for the Industrial Arts Institute, and we think it is going to be a very good thing for the community.

“Everybody wins. That’s the only true value, when everyone takes away something.”