Page 4 - Spring World of Welding - HIWT

HIWT Suspends Training Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

On March 13, 2020, the painful decision was made to suspend classes due to the continuing outbreak of
the Coronavirus. It was a decision that was not taken lightly. On one hand, welding is essential and the
shortage of qualified welders continues to grow. On the other hand, the health and safety of students, staff,
families and the community could be in jeopardy if the virus entered our walls. Many of our students live
close enough to go home on weekends and can pick the virus up in their respective home towns and bring it
back to HIWT and the local community. This was a conundrum that no one could have seen coming and one
we hope never to see again.
After numerous conversations with the Miami County Public Health Department and Premier Health
Network, a detailed Covid-19 Operational Guideline was put together which would allow the school to bring
students back to campus in May while adhering to safety and health regulations. One shift went to two,
class sizes were cut and all students, staff and visitors must have their temperature taken to be allowed
in the building and must wear facemasks while on campus. Classrooms have been reconfigured and booth Photo Credit: Center for
assignments have been realigned to allow all students to maintain the six foot social distancing guidelines. Disease Control and Prevention,
by Alissa Eckert, MS;
Scott A. Mazzulla, President & CEO of HIWT, who has been focused on the task of preparing a plan for Dan Higgins, MAMS
Miami County Public Health approval to bring students back safely and responsibly stated “With our
Covid-19 Operational Guidelines and health care supporters in place, along with the commitment from all staff members to provide the
safest and cleanest environment possible, I am confident we will succeed in educating and preparing our students to support the needs
of our industry. No one knows how long this new normal will continue, but HIWT will stay the course and is committed to continuing the
excellent training that we are known for.”

Hobart Institute Holds Spring Job Fair
By: Melinda Jeffery
HIWT held the Spring Job Fair on March 3rd with 34 employers
representing 10 states in attendance. Students in various phases
of their training met with potential employers to discuss the skills
each company was looking for, and how the skills learned at HIWT
translated into company needs. Many students presented their
resumes and scheduled on site interviews or follow ups with the
companies. In conjunction with the fair, W. International out of
South Carolina and Siemens from Sacramento, CA came in the
day prior to the fair to do employer presentations. Additionally,
BAE Systems was in the day of and two days after the job fair
to do interviews and weld tests for employment at York, PA and
Jacksonville, FL extending offers to 9 students. Hobart Institute
averages an approximately 93% in field employment rate for
graduated welders.

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