‘Time-honored training’ connects students to industry

The Industrial Arts Institute is a premier welding and metal fabrication school in Onaway, MI, where students in the 19-week industrial welding program spend 80% of their time in the welding shop. Joe, an instructor, notes there is a “huge demand in our industry,” and executive director Tamara notes that even with that skills gap, “we have yet to have enough welders and metal fabricators to fill those jobs.” Enbridge Fueling Futures grants have been “essential” in helping the IAI develop its curriculum and equipment, says Tamara.