WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Fredericktown High School is preparing to offer students new opportunities in skilled trades through a new welding program.
The school has secured a combined $51,500 for the purchase of three new welders, along with safety equipment, personal protective equipment, welding booths and additional accessories.
Funding includes a $23,000 grant from the Knox County Foundation, along with $15,000 from Marsha Rinehart and $13,500 from Greg Rinehart.
The school plans to begin introducing welding instruction through its Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Mechanical Principles courses in spring 2027.
School officials say the program will allow students to begin developing industry-related skills while they are still in high school and potentially prepare them for careers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and other skilled-trade fields.
The new equipment represents an expansion of Fredericktown’s career-focused offerings and was made possible through a combination of foundation and private community support.
