Sam Barlow High School is training the expert welders of tomorrow
Students master technical skills and build academic knowledge through CTE program
What jobs will be around in 10 years? Sam Barlow High School’s manufacturing program, part of their Career and Technical Education program, is helping students prepare for them.
It’s projected that 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed in the U.S. by 2029, according to the American Welding Society. The manufacturing industry is seeing investment and an upward trend in job openings as many other industries are shrinking.
The manufacturing courses at the school are structured to prepare students for a technical degree in welding or machining at the community college level or a four-year engineering degree.
The program is led by teacher Aaron Ingoglia. He began a passion for industrial technology in his career, then found a love for teaching. The combination has made him a powerful educator, pairing his professional experience with his teaching skills to create a comprehensive curriculum.
His favorite part of teaching is when students realize they can build something real with their own hands. He says it changes how they see their abilities and what they believe is possible for their future.
The skills and experiences students gain from the welding program could be applied to manufacturing anything from a pacemaker to an F1 racecar frame.
Students in the program master MIG welding, a method commonly used in fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and automotive work. Students learn to control heat to produce cleaner, more consistent welds at a faster pace.
Mastering MIG welding gives students a highly sought-after skill among top manufacturers. Students could end up building appliances for Whirlpool or building an engine for Ford Motor Company.
Ingoglia shared students MIG weld over 80ft of welding manipulation patterns throughout the course, which is nearly the length of the entire laboratory space. Projects like this give students meaningful experience that helps them advance in their abilities.
The most advanced welding class covers TIG welding, known for producing clean, precise, and high-quality welds. It is the most sought-after welding skill in the current economy, with a strong range of applications.
The highly technical process is used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, custom fabrication, and food-grade manufacturing. Students could use these skills as a foundation for a career at NASA, Tesla, or even Williams-Sonoma.
Mr. Ingoglia rounds out his program by connecting his classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
An example is an upcoming field trip to the UA Local 290, a multi-craft union representing more than 5,000 active and retired members who specialize in the fabrication, installation, and servicing of piping systems.
The visit will be many students’ first time stepping into a professional training facility and seeing the industry's scale and expectations up close. The experience transforms welding from a course into a clear career pathway.
Students will observe advanced equipment, learn about apprenticeship opportunities, and hear from industry professionals about their journeys. These discussions also help prepare students for the professionalism and teamwork expected from employers.
The program reflects the overall mission of GBSD’s Career-Technical Education Program. The sequence of courses aligns with industry standards at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Students integrate technical skills with their academic knowledge. Upon graduation, students are ready for additional education or training for high-wage, high-demand careers.