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WAHS Welding Lab to Undergo Significant Renovation, Expansion

District Wide

February 03, 2025 | Career & Technical Education

A wide-angle photo of the welding lab, unoccupied.

WLLIAMSPORT, Pa. (FEBRUARY 3, 2025) — Williamsport Area High School (WAHS) is set to renovate and enlarge its welding lab, home to one of its 15 career and technical education (CTE) programs, beginning this spring.

The $3-million project will add 1,700 square feet to the facility, bringing the total footprint to 2,500 square feet, with 1,800 square feet dedicated specifically to welding. The expansion is intended to accommodate growing student interest in the program while upgrading ventilation and incorporating industry-standard equipment.

Among the most notable additions are 20 new welding booths, a dedicated classroom space, and a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Plasma Table, an advanced cutting system that allows for precise, computer-directed fabrication. These enhancements will expose students to the kind of tools and technology they can expect to encounter in professional welding and manufacturing environments.

Design work for the renovation was conducted through a collaborative process, incorporating valuable input from key stakeholders, including Pennsylvania College of Technology, contractors and industry professionals, according to Matt Fisher, WAHS’s CTE director. Their insights helped shape the vision for a learning space that ensures students receive relevant, high-quality training that prepares them for post-secondary education and careers within the field.

“This expansion is a major step in strengthening our welding program and CTE offerings,” Fisher said. “By modernizing our facilities and aligning them with industry expectations, we’re providing students with the tools and skills necessary to be competitive when entering the workforce.”

Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers said the renovations reflect the district’s commitment to workforce development and preparing students for success beyond graduation.

“CTE is a vital component of student learning and workforce preparation,” Bowers said. “Our investment in this program reflects our dedication to equipping students with real-world skills that lead to successful careers and opportunities. The expansion of our welding lab underscores our focus on providing high-quality, industry-aligned education to benefit our students.”

The project is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

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