Prairie Construction is involved with a renovation project at Westside High School that will expand the existing welding lab. The Welding Program at Westside High School was established in 1955 and is one of the most distinguished programs in the state. The project was recently featured in an article in the Omaha World Herald.
The lab expansion project is part of the Engineering, Manufacturing and Fabrication Expansion at Westside High School. Construction on the project began in early October with the demolition of the old lab on the west side of the building.
The project, which has been made possible through the support of generous supporters, will double the existing lab space from 1200 square feet to 2450 square feet. In addition to welding, the lab will serve as a space for robotics, engineering and architecture classes and programs.
The expansion will accommodate the growing interest in the welding program. The district is committed to incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs into the high school curriculum resulting in a surge of interest in the curriculum and courses. Each year, more than 200 students are enrolled in the program.
The expansion in lab space will allow for the program to accommodate an updated technology known as TIG (Gus Tungsten Arc Welding) which incorporates mills and sheet metal work. The larger space will include smaller welding labs for more efficient instructional time.
The project is funded through the Westside Foundation. You can learn more about the Westside High School Welding Program and how to support the Engineering, Manufacturing and Fabrication Project HERE.