Need welders? Check out Fremont's Newest Public/Private Collaboration !

Partnership provides opportunities for students, industry

By Stephen Rickerl/Fremont Tribune

More than 60 people representing Fremont Public Schools, Metropolitan Community College, Valmont Industries and local business people gathered Tuesday at Fremont High School for a ribbon cutting for the new welding facility.

The new facility will house the district’s welding program, which through its public-private partnership will offer students the opportunity to earn dual credit and an industry certificate upon completion of the program. The program is aimed at providing career opportunities for young people while creating a skilled workforce for local businesses.

Fremont Public Schools Superintendent Mark Shepard said once funding came through for the project last spring, those involved moved quickly to get the lab up and running for the beginning of classes this August.

“Literally as the students were walking out for the summer break, we had contractors in the parking lot ready to come in,” Shepard said. “And by the afternoon they pretty much had this facility gutted.”

Shepard said the five-course welding program is designed specifically for Fremont and its industry and local partners. The dual credit program is taught by both a Fremont High School instructor and a Metro instructor who is an industry expert. The program’s unique design, Shepard said, is a first of its kind for FPS but offers students the ability to leave Fremont High School with a diploma, dual credit from Metro and an industry certificate.

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