Blog

Jun 26, 2023

Gorham Middle High School Senior Coleman Keezer to Weld for Capone Iron Customers After Passing Flat Weld Test

August 28, 2023 by Kayla Rochon GORHAM – Superintendent David Backler and Principal David Morrissette are pleased to share that Gorham Middle High School senior Coleman Keezer recently passed his flat

August 28, 2023 by Kayla Rochon

GORHAM – Superintendent David Backler and Principal David Morrissette are pleased to share that Gorham Middle High School senior Coleman Keezer recently passed his flat weld test during his pre-apprenticeship program and can now weld for customers

Keezer is part of the School to Careers program at Gorham Middle High School

(GMHS) and began his pre-apprenticeship program with Capone Iron, located in Berlin, in June. He has been working 30 hours per week, practicing, learning the trade, and working on in-house projects.

The Capone Iron Welder-Fitter Apprenticeship program consists of 6,700 hours (approximately three years) of on-the-job training and related instruction through White Mountains Community College. High School students who are interested in welding and committed to furthering their education in the trade can participate in a pre-apprenticeship.

Students first begin as unpaid interns, and work directly with the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and seasoned welders. Once students display a certain level of skills and competency, they move up through the program before taking their flat weld test.

After successfully passing their flat weld test, students will be able to weld for customers and receive compensation for their work.

The pre-apprenticeship program was created in 2022 by ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce training program of Community College System of NH (CCSNH) which develops high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with Capone Iron Corp., and is offered to students across the state.

GMHS School to Career Program Coordinator Matthew Saladino coordinated with Capone Iron Corp. Compliance Coordinator and Safety Liaison Lucie Kinney and ApprenticeshipNH High School Youth Apprentice and Business Outreach Specialist, Liz Arcieri, to help bring the pre-apprenticeship program to GMHS students.

ApprenticeshipNH coordinates with high schools and businesses to help further the education of students both in school and after graduation. ApprenticeshipNH also assists pre-apprentices and apprentices funding for tuition, books, cost of travel, work uniforms and supplies as part of the program.

After graduation, Keezer plans to enroll in the White Mountains Community College Welding Technology Program.

“I would like to thank ApprenticeshipNH and Capone Iron for partnering with our School to Career program here at Gorham Middle High School,” said School Counselor and School to Careers Coordinator Saladino. “I am extremely proud of Coleman and his commitment to furthering his education. This programs gives students the opportunity to gain experience in a trade outside of the classroom, and allows students to get hands-on experience in the field of their choosing.”

“I think the apprenticeship is a great opportunity to get familiar with the field of work that one wants to do in the future, and I am grateful that Capone Iron has given me the opportunity to work here,” said Keezer.

For more information about Capone Iron, click here.

ApprenticeshipNH is funded by U.S. Department of Labor Employment grants, and it offers technical assistance to employers in creating programs. Additionally, ApprenticeshipNH provides financial support to apprentices and pre-apprentices, and coordinates pre-apprenticeship opportunities with employers and high schools.

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