Welding Futures: Celebrating National Welding Month at Shelton High School

Mason County, WA – April 30, 2025 - For Chloe, welding was a bold step toward something new. Originally enrolled in diesel mechanics at her previous school, she made the switch with inspiration from her grandfather and uncle, both experienced welders. Since then, she’s gained a deeper understanding of how the welding industry works — and found her stride in it.

Having completed both Weld One and Weld Two, Chloe immersed herself in hands-on training, learning TIG, MIG, Stick, and even dual shield welding on her own time. “I feel confident, but I know I still have more to learn,” she said. “I pay attention in class because I want to be ready.”

She feels prepared for the real world and is considering continuing her education at the Western Welding Academy in Wyoming. If there is an opportunity to work at the Bremerton shipyard, she’d love to start her career there. “This is the perfect setting,” she added, reflecting on how the welding program helped her build both skills and confidence.

Chloe hopes to combine her desire to make money with a chance to travel — possibly starting in Mason County and seeing where life takes her from there. When asked what she’d say to someone unsure about welding, her advice is simple: “You have nothing to lose from just trying it out. There are always other options.”

If she could blast any song in the workshop, it’d be something by Deftones. And when asked what she'd dream of welding one day? “A sculpture for a national park or something similar.”

For her, welding is more than a skill — it’s an outlet, a path, and a possibility.

Chloe’s story is just one example of the impact Shelton High School’s welding program is having on students. Behind that impact is instructor Chelsea Jonas, whose dedication to hands-on education and real-world readiness is shaping futures—one weld at a time.

At Shelton High School, welding isn’t just a class—it’s a launchpad. And for Chelsea Jonas, the welding instructor behind the program, it’s a chance to equip students with the confidence and skills to build a future in the trades.

“We offer Weld 1, 2, and 3, each building on the last,” Chelsea explains. “Weld 1 is introductory—basic safety, cutting, power tools, and welding skills. In Weld 2, we dive into welding theory, troubleshooting, and the science behind the process. It’s more than just melting metal.” By Weld 3, students are working with TIG and flux-core welding, gaining advanced skills that set them apart.

Graduates leave the program with an SP2 certification—an industry-recognized credential in workplace safety—and a strong foundation in employability and technical skills. The curriculum adapts regularly, thanks to ongoing communication with local industry leaders. “If businesses tell us they need a specific welding process, we pivot,” she said. “The goal is to stay relevant and keep our students prepared.”

Many graduates go on to work at local employers like Safe Boats, known for their million-dollar custom boats, or Trufab. Others move into union opportunities, like the sheet metal pre-apprenticeship program, where two of Chelsea’s students recently rose to the top and are now gainfully employed. “We push students to explore career paths—job searches, wages, education opportunities—and we hold career fairs so they can see what’s out there.”

For Chelsea, welding isn’t just a skill—it’s a strategy for rural resilience. “In a place like Mason County, we don’t have Google or Amazon. But we do have manufacturing,” she says. “Programs like this are critical for our local economy. The more we manufacture here, the more stimulation we give to the economy.”

Her advice to other schools? “Find ways to show the community what you’re doing. Get kids excited. If they’re not into sports, give them something else to be proud of. SkillsUSA is a great place to start.”

Chelsea has seen firsthand how transformative the program can be. One of her proudest moments came when a student who had struggled with behavior was encouraged to enter the SkillsUSA welding fabrication competition. “He lit up. It gave him something to work toward and changed how he saw himself. That’s why I do this.”

When asked what song she’d play in the shop, Chelsea smiles: “Brain Stew by Green Day.”