According to projections from the American Welding Society, the industry needs approximately 330,000 new welding professionals in the next two years. Demand for welders is high in Western Kentucky as well, driven by growth in regional manufacturing, the transportation industry, and new infrastructure projects.
With that in mind, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) are focused on connecting students with those opportunities through the Power in Partnership program, which links skilled professionals and employers with students to expand their understanding of the opportunities available, share expertise, and offer career advice.
Power in Partnership coordinated a field trip for the ATC’s advanced welding students on March 6 that included visits to Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc. (PAL), and James Marine, Inc., two of the largest welding employers in the region. Students met with staff at each location and toured the facilities to gain a better understanding of the role that welders play in keeping railroad and river transportation companies moving.
“I truly believe opportunities like these field trips are important for students,” said Human Resources Manager Alayna Stinnett who coordinated the tour for PAL. “If we can plant even a small seed and show them that there are many different career paths out there, it can motivate them to stay in school and work toward their future. Our industry is one that many young people don’t even know exists unless they have a family member who works in it. By introducing them to what we do, we can open their eyes to new possibilities and help them realize that they could build a successful career in this field.”
PAL is a regional Class II freight railroad based in Paducah. Operating over roughly 270 miles of track between Paducah and Louisville with key branch lines, PAL connects with several major Class I railroads and serves more than 90 industries, including coal, chemicals, lumber, and agricultural sectors. A subsidiary of P&L Transportation, Inc., PAL prides itself on reliable, efficient freight service and broad connectivity across the region.
At James Marine, General Manager Roger Shaw and Safety Manager Stephen Rousseau led students on a tour of the facilities. Featured speakers were Warehouse/Tool Room Supervisor Ethan Haines, Carpentry Shop Foreman Tommy Morrison, General Manager of Big River Propeller Justin Layne, Welder Jeremy Morganti, and Machinist Tyler Morton.
“Opportunities like this give students a chance to see what the skilled trades look like outside the classroom,” said Talent Acquisition and Social Media Specialist Bailey Suiter.
“Many students may not realize the types of careers available in industries like ours until they experience them first-hand. We’re always glad to open our doors and help students explore the possibilities that exist right here in our community.”
James Marine, Inc. is a family-owned marine services company founded in 1986 and headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky. It specializes in towboat and barge repair, new construction, and a broad range of inland waterway support services. With multiple facilities in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Alabama, the company also offers fuel services, tank barge cleaning, propeller repair, and towing/chartering through affiliated divisions like Tennessee Valley Towing. Known for its commitment to safety, quality performance, and customer-focused operations, James Marine supports commercial maritime clients across major U.S. rivers.
"My favorite part about this particular field trip was the enthusiasm shown by the students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “They heard how skills they're learning in our classes could be applied in working for these companies, in jobs they may not have known existed until they saw them first-hand. Then, for them to hear that some students could possibly even start working there before they leave high school--that definitely got some of them kicked into high gear."
“Welding offers young people not just a job, but the opportunity to continue increasing their earning capacity as they gain experience, hone their skills, and earn additional certifications,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Thanks to generous companies like P&L Railway and James Marine, we can literally show these kids what that career looks like in real life. That is truly powerful motivation. We are grateful to both companies for participating in Power in Partnership.”
The ATC’s welding program is designed to prepare students for industry or other job-related fields. Students are taught different welding methods including shielded-metal arc welding, gas-metal arc welding, and gas-tungsten arc welding. Students are trained in layout, blueprint reading, work orders, job site safety, and estimating materials for the job.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.