Still Building America—Love at first strike

Ian Schwenke is 18 years old and working his way up the ladder, but rather than taking on debt at a four-year university, he’s making money as a welder in the aerospace industry.

Ian began his higher education as a freshman at Saline High School, which is just south of Ann Arbor, Mich. After he sparked that first arc in shop class, it was love at first strike:

“It all started in Metals 1 at Saline High School. After that trimester, I switched out of all my other electives and signed up for Metals 2 and Metals 3. I then was given the opportunity to take the consortium class a year early as a sophomore. Then I was in welding education for at least two hours a day during the rest of my high school career.”

By the time he finished high school, Ian had placed first in several state welding competitions sponsored by the American Welding Society and SkillsUSA and had a big head start in the trade with classes at Washtenaw Community College under his belt.

Ian currently is working for Liebherr-Aerospace Saline where he welds heat exchangers for airplanes

“My favorite part of my job is knowing that the parts I weld on will go on airworthy airplanes where they will regulate cabin pressure, heat, and other components.

“My future goal is to get a job with a government contractor like Lockheed Martin or General Dynamics, where everything I weld on is very important. I love the challenge.”

As for those looking for inspiration in the trade, Ian offers these words:

“If you want something, go and get it. Do whatever it takes to be successful, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”

All images courtesy of Ian Schwenke.

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