Forging Futures at Home: Welding Technology Fundamentals in Citrus County High Schools

Choosing to go to school in Citrus County opens the door to an impressive range of exciting and practical opportunities for our students. From healthcare and computer science to construction, culinary arts, agriculture, and now welding, our high schools are preparing young people for real careers and real lives. One of the most exciting developments this year is the return of Welding Technology Fundamentals courses to Citrus County high schools, bringing hands-on, high-demand workforce training directly into our classrooms.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Jesse Wininger’s welding classroom at Citrus High School, and what I witnessed firsthand was nothing short of remarkable. This was not the welding classroom many of us might remember from years past. Instead, students were learning in a high-tech, immersive virtual welding environment that looks, sounds, and reacts like the real thing. It was engaging, impressive, and clearly designed to help beginners succeed while building a strong foundation for advanced skills.

The advanced virtual welding training system places students into lifelike welding scenarios where every action matters. As students weld, they see a realistic weld puddle form in real time. They hear authentic welding sounds and experience sparks, slag, grinding, and cooling, all of which respond instantly to how they move and adjust their technique. This immediate feedback makes the learning process both exciting and intuitive, especially for students who may be new to welding.

What truly sets this system apart is how it teaches correct technique. When students make mistakes, the system visibly shows welding defects, helping them understand exactly what went wrong. At the same time, it reinforces good habits through demonstrations of successful welds and guided lessons. Students are not just practicing randomly; they are learning the “why” behind every movement and adjustment.

Another impressive aspect of the program is how closely it mirrors real-world industry expectations. Students learn proper machine setup by following authentic Welding Procedure Specifications. They select the correct welding process, gas type, gas flow, voltage or amperage, and wire-feed speed, just as professional welders do on the job. Every weld is tracked and scored in real time, measuring key factors such as work angle, travel angle, speed, distance, and position. This clear, data-driven feedback helps students understand exactly what they are doing well and where improvement is needed.

These opportunities reflect a broader vision for career and technical education in Citrus County. As Debra Stanley, Director of Career and Technical Education, shares, “Welding opens doors to high-demand, well-paying careers and helps our students turn their future aspirations into real opportunities.” That vision is clearly evident in the level of engagement, rigor, and confidence seen in these classrooms.

During my visit, I watched as sophomore Adrienne German confidently demonstrated her welding skills. With a smile and a healthy dose of pride, she declared that girls are better welders than boys. Her confidence spoke volumes, not just about her abilities, but about how welcoming and empowering this program is for all students. Welding is no longer seen as limited by stereotypes; it is a skill open to anyone willing to learn and work hard.

Mr. Wininger, an experienced welder himself, explained that the goal of the program goes far beyond classroom success. “My goal is to have students ready to secure welding jobs directly from high school,” he shared. “Of course it will take time being a new program, but I’m fully prepared to ensure these students are employable when they graduate.” To support that goal, students also participate in field trips to industry operations so they understand exactly what the work entails. This year, students have visited the Florida Commercial Diving Institute to learn about underwater welding and E-ONE to see fire trucks manufactured, giving them firsthand exposure to real-world applications of their skills.

In addition to preparing students for the workforce, these tools provide Mr. Wininger with detailed performance analysis for each student. He can show precisely how and why a weld was successful or where it fell short. Students receive immediate, gamified feedback through scoring and charting, which keeps them motivated and focused on improvement. Once a student consistently achieves a score of 80 or above, they are allowed to move on to a real-world welding environment using actual equipment. This ensures safety, readiness, and confidence before transitioning to live welding.

This outstanding program was made possible through a Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program awarded to Citrus County Schools. This year, welding is currently available at Citrus High School and Lecanto High School, with plans to expand the program to Crystal River High School. These expansions will ensure that even more students across our county can benefit from this cutting-edge training.

Special thanks are due to our Citrus Schools Career and Technical Education Department, led by Director Stanley, along with her dedicated team, including CTE Specialist and grant writer Dana Sternberg. Their hard work in applying for and securing these grants has directly translated into meaningful opportunities for our students and our schools.

Beyond high school, students can take the certifications they earn and continue their training at Withlacoochee Technical College or other welding programs. Along the way, they also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that apply far beyond the welding booth.

Welding Technology Fundamentals is more than a class. It is a pathway. Right here in Citrus County Schools, we are forging futures, one spark at a time.

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