Run Your Own Welding Camp

Last year, I attended my first welding camp at Borrego Springs High School in Borrego Springs, Calif. (you can read about that experience in my earlier blog).

This summer, welding instructor Mike Kitten invited me back. Thanks to a grant from SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, he was able to host a two-week manufacturing camp and this was the final week. As usual, Mike fired up the grill and barbequed for the entire school.

Driving home, it struck me: despite the urgent need for welders, there are no other camps in the area—not in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, La Quinta, or Indio.

That shortage matters. Roughly 10,000 Baby Boomers retire every day, many from welding jobs in fabrication shops, defense contracting, and shipbuilding. But far too few replacements are entering the field. According to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, more than 1.9 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2033 unless we act now.

Many people say high schools should bring back shop classes—and I agree. But even if every district launched new programs tomorrow, it would take years for the talent pipeline to catch up. Tight budgets, hesitation to raise taxes, and the prevailing “college-for-all” mindset mean change will be slow.

Meanwhile, the demand for welders keeps growing.

That’s why I asked Mike a few questions about the shortage and what fabricators and manufacturers can do to help.

Q: Now that you have finished your second year, what have you learned about managing a camp that will make the third year easier?
A: Take the time to plan ahead. I mapped out events for each day of camp, working to a schedule that will keep your camp on task.

Q: If you had a chance to talk to some folks considering hosting their own camp, what would your advice be?
A: Do it! It is such a great opportunity for the students. I got such positive feedback. It’s very rewarding knowing that you are making a difference.

Q: What would be the pitfalls to avoid?
A: Again, don’t procrastinate. Plan ahead and have things in order to follow your camp outline.

Q: What is the most gratifying part of running a camp for you?
A: Seeing the kids learning and knowing I made a difference for them.

Q: What has been your biggest a-ha moment so far?
A: The outpouring of support I have got from the community, including BSUSD staff, Veridiam Inc., Southbay Welding, GKN Aerospace, West Air welding supplies, Competitive Metals, San Diego Ironworkers Union, and FMA for providing the grant that made this all happen.

Q: Now that you have been at this a while, do you have any stories of former students who have used these skills?
A: I had a student in my welding class two years ago, and I struggled to get him to weld. He told me that he was going to be on a fire crew to fight wildfires and not be a welder. I shared with him that equipment does break, and fire crews need to have welders and equipment ready to make repairs quickly. Knowing how to weld gives you that additional advantage over the other members of the fire crew.

The other day, I saw him in town, and he came up to me and said, “I have to tell you something: I was on the fire crew, and we had a breakdown that required welding, and I welded it and got the equipment back in service! It was just as you told me, and the fire captain said this is a great skill to have and was glad he wasn’t the only one who knew how to weld.”

The payoff for students goes beyond skills, they also gain confidence and discover new possibilities.

One student, Michelle L., submitted her camp project—a sculpture of a motorcyclist—to the San Diego County Fair art competition. She won three blue ribbons: 1st place, Best in Class, and Best in Show. This was her second camp.

Another student, Chris R., also entered a welding project and walked away with two blue ribbons. A third, Alani, earned a 1st place ribbon. When I asked about her future plans, she told me she’s enlisting in the Navy after graduation.

Mike doesn’t just teach welding; he instills work ethic and pride in the craft. Employers need workers who show up, take pride in their work, and are open to learning. Welding offers exactly that: steady demand, strong pay, and opportunities for advancement.

Manufacturing camps reach students early, opening their eyes to a career path that can start right out of high school. They’re a powerful way to connect industry with the next generation of talent.

If you’re a CTE teacher, imagine the impact a camp like this could have in your community. With support from FMA and its foundation, it’s possible to spark curiosity, build confidence, and set students on a path to success.

Curious about how you can help inspire the next generation? Reach out to SparkForce and bring a camp to your community.