By: Kimberly Gomez
PEORIA (25News Now) - At Pekin Community High School, students aren’t just learning a trade — they’re gaining hands-on experience that could shape their future careers, and for welding teacher Seth Thomas, preparing students for the workforce is his top priority.
Thomas has been leading the welding program at Pekin for three years, after spending 21 years in the manufacturing industry.
He understands firsthand what employers are looking for, and he works to ensure his students develop those critical skills.
“The number one thing is attendance, showing up every day,” Thomas said. “My classes, the way they are designed, we spend probably about 90 to 95 percent of our time in the shop, and if they miss days, it does hurt them. They can’t just make that time up.”
The welding program at Pekin starts with basic safety training before students advance to more challenging welding techniques. But beyond the classroom, Thomas is preparing students for real-world opportunities.
“We would get students in the plant I worked at, and [there was] just basic stuff they couldn’t do,” Thomas said. “I think it is just the lack of knowledge and stuff that is out there. You know, I can’t make all the difference, but if I can make a little bit of difference…”
That difference is part of a larger effort at Pekin High School to emphasize career readiness. Principal Shayla Ewing said the school is focused on helping students explore career paths while still in high school.
“To be honest, it’s teachers like Seth and programs like our welding program,” Ewing said. “Here at Pekin, we are really passionate about getting with students and helping them figure out what they want their career paths and futures to be.”
The school also partners with local businesses to give students hands-on experience in real job settings.
“One of our goals and something that we are really working on here at Pekin High is work-based learning, so taking skills learned in a class like Seth’s and applying them in a real job, earning credit while gaining experience,” Ewing said.
For his dedication to student success, Thomas was awarded a $1,000 grant through 25News and CEFCU’s “One Class at a Time” program. The grant will support the welding program with new materials and tools to help students further develop their skills.
With teachers leading the way like Thomas, students at Pekin High School are welding their way to bright futures — one spark at a time.
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