High school shop class students have their first new welder in three years, courtesy of a donation by the Stikine Sportsmen Association.

The Millermatic MIG welder, about an $8,500 unit, joins 13 other welding units of different sizes and styles in the shop, said teacher Winston Davies. “Some of the welders are from the ’80s.”

“We mostly use it for building (aluminum) boats,” he said of the new welder.

The class has 15 students this semester, 12 beginners and three advanced students, Davies said, adding that six of the students are girls.

About one in five high school students are enrolled in the class.

“It’s a popular class,” said Davies, now in his sixth year teaching shop.

Adding to the popularity and value of the class, he said, is that students can earn dual credits through the University of Alaska Southeast — the second year for the program.

The Stikine Sportsmen Association has been raising money at its annual game dinner for almost 50 years, using the funds for community donations and projects. 

Shop class students return the favor and work with the nonprofit association. “We donate a lot to their auction,” including metal art, cutting boards and a steel fire pit, Davies said.