Youth in Saline and White Counties had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most in-demand skilled trades through the 4-H Welding SPIN Clubs offered this spring. The clubs provided participants with an introduction to welding safety, equipment operation, and basic welding techniques while helping them develop valuable workforce readiness skills.
The Welding SPIN Clubs were offered in partnership with Southeastern Illinois College (SIC), with instruction provided by SIC staff members who have also become dedicated 4-H volunteers. Their expertise and commitment helped create meaningful learning experiences for youth while strengthening connections between 4-H and local career and technical education opportunities.
In Saline County, the Welding SPIN Club met once a week throughout April and served seven participants. Youth learned proper welding safety procedures, became familiar with welding equipment and materials, and practiced basic welding techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. The program emphasized problem-solving, attention to detail, and career exploration while allowing participants to gain confidence through hands-on learning.
White County's Welding SPIN Club was held from May 14 through June 11 and was open to 4-H members in sixth grade and above. Nine 4-H members participated in the five-week series, gaining firsthand experience with welding equipment and techniques. Throughout the program, members learned essential welding safety practices, developed technical skills, and explored potential career opportunities in the skilled trades.
The Welding SPIN Clubs support University of Illinois Extension 4-H's commitment to workforce development and career readiness. As industries across Illinois continue to seek skilled workers, programs like welding provide youth with opportunities to discover career pathways while building confidence, responsibility, and practical skills that can serve them throughout their lives.
By combining hands-on learning with mentorship and career exploration, the Saline and White County 4-H Welding SPIN Clubs helped participants develop skills that extend far beyond the workshop. Whether pursuing a future in the trades or simply learning a new skill, these young people left the program with increased knowledge, confidence, and a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in welding. The success of these clubs highlights the value of community partnerships and volunteer leadership in expanding educational opportunities for local youth.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.