Ogden High’s automotive program receives state-of-the-art equipment
Jan 13, 2025, 7:00 AM
(Ogden High School)
(Ogden High School)
SALT LAKE CITY — Ogden High School will now have the only known training program in Utah schools to have a world-class welding machine used in automotive collision repair.
The equipment is thanks to Precision for Collision, Car-O-Liner and Young Collision.
“To have state-of-the-art equipment like a brand-new, resistance spot welder, we wanted to set the students up for success and really pioneer and set the standard going forward,” said Chris Hudson, collision director for the Young Automotive Group.
Investing into vocational programs
The machine, a CTR9 resistance spot welder, is valued at over $42,000. But aside from the welder’s value, the donation demonstrates an investment in local vocational programs.
Technical, vocational and trade schools are on the rise now. Students are able to graduate high school with the ability to enter into high-earning careers.
“The traditional path, you would have to graduate high school, go to college, get a degree and then pursue a career from there. With vocational and technical programs like this, you can graduate from high school and earn real-world wages. You can earn six-figure wages or better as a technician,” said Hudson. “We’re setting kids up without having to put the money out, be in debt, go through traditional colleges. There are alternative ways to go on and be very successful, support their families, and have a rewarding career.”
High demand
While there are trade programs for numerous fields, Ogden High School’s automotive collision repair program could yield a high return for those in the field because of the high demand.
“There’s a national shortage of technicians and we need to get to students as early as we can to create the excitement for them to understand the opportunities that are available to them,” said Hudson.
Ogden High students often start in automotive careers prior to graduation. They are able to earn money at part-time jobs while they finish school, and then move up once they’ve graduated and completed the programs.
“It’s just huge for kids like us that didn’t know we could have these opportunities. I’m very thankful for this,” said Thomas Gillis, a junior at Ogden High School.
Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
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