Racing companies can play an integral part in the future workforce by working directly with students in high school career programs.

In an industry where precision, innovation, and passion fuel success, the racing world continuously seeks fresh talent to drive it forward. One promising avenue to cultivate this talent lies within local high school career programs. These programs not only provide students with practical skills but also offer a direct pipeline for the racing industry to nurture and recruit the next generation of builders, welders, mechanics, and engineers. By opening their doors to job shadow days, apprenticeships, and internships, racing businesses and teams can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport while benefiting from the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds.

As a high school welding teacher, I have the privilege of teaching welding to a diverse group of students. My teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and real-world applications. I strive to equip my students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the welding industry and to foster a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.

In addition to my high school teaching role, I am also a welding instructor at a local college. Here, I continue to share my passion for welding with a wider audience, helping college students advance their skills and pursue their professional goals. Teaching at both the high school and college levels has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to witness the growth and development of my students as they prepare for their careers.

The Vital Role of Education and Hands-On Experience

We will explore an important topic: utilizing local high school career programs to feed the racing industry's various businesses and teams. This topic is important to me as I have a background steeped in welding and a profound connection to motorsports that I inherited from my grandfather, Jo Jones, who was a revered chassis builder for the Southern Flyer dirt track oval go-kart. I've dedicated myself to sharing knowledge and inspiring innovation. As a high school welding instructor, I have seen firsthand the benefits that come from companies partnering with high school programs. 

• High School Career Program Benefits: High school career programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce. For the racing industry, these programs offer a unique opportunity to identify and nurture talent at an early stage, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled professionals who are passionate about motorsports.
• Bridging the Skills Gap: The racing industry, like many technical fields, faces a skills gap as experienced professionals retire and new technologies emerge. High school career programs help bridge this gap by providing students with hands-on training in welding, machining, engineering, and automotive repair. By partnering with these programs, racing teams and businesses can ensure that students are learning industry-specific skills that meet current and future demands.
• Early Exposure to Racing Careers: High school students often have limited exposure to the wide range of career opportunities within the racing industry. Through career programs, students can learn about the various roles involved in building and maintaining race cars, from chassis fabrication and engine tuning to aerodynamics and data analysis. This early exposure can spark an interest in racing and encourage students to pursue careers in the industry.

Job Shadow Days: A Glimpse into the Racing World

One of the most effective ways to introduce high school students to the racing industry is through job shadow days. These days offer students a firsthand look at the daily functions of a racing operation, allowing them to observe professionals at work and gain insights into the skills and knowledge required for different roles.

High school students have a variety of options to learn about motorsports careers, such as job shadow days, apprenticeships, and internships. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program gives students hands-on engine building experience and the opportunity to work as a team to prepare them for the workforce...

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^{Wylie Messer is a high school welding instructor at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky, and a welding instructor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Kentucky. He is also a host at Weld.com, where he creates educational welding videos for YouTube.}