From Classroom to Career with PRP Welding Students
Students in the welding co-op program at Pleasure Ridge Park High School spent their senior year building hands-on experience in both the classroom and on the production floor at WireCrafters. Through the program, students developed welding skills, gained real-world manufacturing experience, and prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.
WireCrafters celebrated its seventh consecutive class of seniors signing on to join the company full-time following graduation. During PRP’s Signing Day ceremony, students took the stage before classmates, teachers, family members, and company representatives to officially commit to starting their careers in manufacturing.
Nataly Leon, a current WireCrafters’ employee and PRP alumna from the Class of 2025, joined WireCrafters’ HR Generalist Jenny Johnson on stage as students signed their commitments. Nataly’s path from PRP student to full-time employee highlights the opportunities the welding co-op program continues to create for local students interested in skilled trades.
The following students signed to join the company’s team following graduation:
- Steven Gilley
- Chris Hash
- Christopher Sabol
“It’s always a great day when we get to celebrate the successes of our welding students here at PRP,” said PRP Senior Welding Instructor Dave McCoy. “It makes every day coming in to teach worth it. WireCrafters is one of our major partners that helps make our program successful."
Throughout the school year, students worked alongside the WireCrafters’ team, learning what it takes to succeed in a manufacturing environment. They gained experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and daily operations while building confidence in their trade skills.
"It is always great to celebrate our new talent as they start their careers with us,” said WireCrafters Operations Manager Chad Anglin. “This relationship has fundamentally changed how we hire and has been the absolute most rewarding part of my career.”
WireCrafters continues to invest in the next generation of manufacturing professionals through partnerships like the PRP welding co-op program. We look forward to welcoming another talented group of graduates to our team and supporting their growth as they begin their careers in the manufacturing industry.
To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
