A dozen Arlington High School (AHS) students visited several Arlington manufacturing firms on Jan. 13. as part of the school’s Arlington Manufacturing Tour. The students visited Absolute Manufacturing, B&B Fabrication, Steel Fab, Fluid Motion, and Morel Industries.
Bryan Wilson is the Manufacturing Manager at Absolute Manufacturing, a company that provides parts for the aerospace industry. He said it’s valuable to have students who are interested in the trades to see the different options that are available to them.
“The more you learn, the more valuable you will be to the company which could open up more opportunities for you,” said Wilson. “Students need to know that you can’t learn if you’re on your phone, and that you need to make sure you’re on time for your job.”
AHS students who are part of the Advanced Manufacturing track come in with a good base for entry-level manufacturing jobs.
Beau Pearson, who graduated from AHS last June, was hired by B&B Fabrication three months ago. He really enjoyed welding at AHS and wanted to find a local job where he could put his skills to work.
“I really wanted to work at a local firm and B&B Fabrication is a great fit,” said Pearson. “My advice to students entering this field is take in as much as you can from others, listen to them, and learn from mistakes.”
B&B Fabrication is a heavy structural steel manufacturer which produces the framing for bridges and buildings. B&B Fabrication has hired several AHS grads.
“I stress attendance, attitude and aptitude for employees,” said B&B Fabrication General Manager Brian Bergeson. “You have to be reliable and arrive to work on time. Having a positive attitude and wanting to learn is key. Finally, show us that you have the basic skills to do the job.”