Students in the welding program at Great Bend High School are experiencing cutting-edge training with the addition of a new Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) simulator. Oscar Torres, the school’s Ag and Welding Instructor, introduced the simulator to his students last week, providing them with a valuable tool to hone their welding skills.

“The simulator is a great experience for the students,” said Torres. “While it eliminates a few variables that you would encounter in real-world welding, it offers an opportunity for students to experience what welding looks and sounds like under the hood.” He further emphasized the importance of the simulator in helping students develop the muscle memory needed to master the correct movement and speed of the welding torch to produce high-quality welds.

The simulator allows students to practice MIG welding techniques without the need for expensive consumables, making it a cost-effective solution for the program. Torres mentioned that some of his second-level students, after practicing on the simulator, have already moved on to actual welding projects.

Torres plans to continue incorporating the simulator into his curriculum to help students gain hands-on experience and prepare them for success in the welding industry.

For more information about the Welding or other Career & Technical Education Programs at Great Bend High School, contact Kip Wilson, vice principal of GBHS at 620-793-1521.