The welding program at the Caldwell Regional Career Center has seen major changes over the years and Mickey Bayer has been there to watch the progress.
Bayer is in his 28th year as the welding instructor and serves as the longest-tenured teacher at the local school. Bayer’s interest in welding began as a high school student in Dawson Springs. The school gave him gas money and told him to drive to the Vocational School in Madisonville to attend welding classes. It was during those classes that he realized his calling was to teach welding as a career. He went to Murray State and got his bachelor’s degree in welding through the career technical education department but then had to have 2500 hours in the welding field before he could reach his goal of being a welding teacher. He has spent his entire career at the Caldwell facility.
Through the years he has witnessed many changes.
click to download audioBayer described virtual welding as a video game. The student puts on a welding hat and holds onto a rod to weld on the screen. The weld being performed is projected on a screen on the classroom board so the instructor and other students can watch the process and learn.
The program has experienced major renovations over the years.
click to download audioBayer added the teachers are required to use the approved curriculum in the class.
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No experience is needed to enter the welding program.
click to download audioSafety is a major component of the class.
click to download audioFemales are encouraged to learn to weld.
click to download audioBayer stresses the entire Career Center has changed and offers high-quality training.
click to download audioAnyone is welcome to come and take a look around the welding classes and see what is offered.
click to download audioWhen a student completes 4 welding classes they receive a Certificate of Completion as a welding operator. Employers are waiting to hire those achieving this certificate with jobs starting at over $30,000 and up to $100,000 depending on if you are willing to travel. Bayer has around 60 students enrolled in the current classes.
