In today’s fast-changing workforce, hands-on experience with real-world tools is more important than ever. At Holdrege High School, students are getting just that. Thanks to a grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation, the Holdrege FFA Chapter made a major investment in its welding program, purchasing a new Miller 255 welder that mirrors the kind of equipment students will encounter in technical schools and in the workplace.
The goal of the grant was simple: Give students access to modern welding technology that reflects current industry standards. The impact, however, has been transformational. With the addition of the new welder in fall 2023, students are now able to explore advanced features like auto-setting and pulse welding, learning how to adjust equipment for different materials and techniques. These are skills used in real jobs, and for many Holdrege students, this is their first exposure to high-end tools that go beyond the basics.
“Having newer equipment helps students learn not just how to weld, but how to work with the kinds of tools they’ll see in college programs or local jobs,” said Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor Jeff Moore. “It’s a direct connection between the classroom and the career path.”
The Miller 255 is just one part of Holdrege’s broader commitment to upgrading its ag mechanics offerings. Recently, the program also replaced an outdated plasma table with a new Plasma CAD/CAM system. This equipment enables students to complete more complex projects with greater precision and speed. These upgrades not only improve the quality of student work but also open the door to expanded curriculum opportunities.
One of Holdrege FFA’s short-term goals is to split its current welding and small engines course into two distinct classes: one focused on welding and metalwork, the other on engine mechanics. This will allow for more focused instruction and better alignment with student interests and future career paths. In the long term, the program hopes to continue adding equipment, staff, and facility space to create a more robust vocational and technical education department.
“Each new tool is a step toward a bigger vision,” Moore said. “We want to build a space where students can train on the same level of equipment used by professionals because we know that’s how we prepare them for success after graduation.”
The upgrades are especially meaningful in a region where welding skills are in high demand. Local companies such as Allmand Manufacturing, Hawkins Ag Manufacturing, and multiple irrigation service providers rely on skilled welders and often look to Holdrege students as a pipeline for future employees.
The funding for the project came from a combination of sources, including the Nebraska FFA Foundation, the Holdrege FFA Alumni Chapter, and a grant from the Phelps County Community Foundation. Together, they helped cover the estimated $6,000 cost of the new welder, cart, and accessories.
With around 20-30 students enrolled in the school’s course that covers introductory welding and small engines, these upgrades ensure that more students get meaningful, hands-on experience. For Holdrege FFA, the welding upgrade is more than a classroom improvement— it’s a way to invest in students, strengthen ties to the local workforce, and demonstrate the long-term value of agricultural education in today’s economy.
