Northeast sees major upgrades to auto, welding labs

Students and teachers at Lincoln Northeast High School are reaping the benefits of major renovations and upgrades to the school’s auto and welding labs that were finished this summer.

In the auto lab, the room was enlarged and two additional auto lifts were installed. In addition, new tools, cabinets and roll-around chests were purchased, as well as an additional tire changer and tire rack. In the welding lab, new booths were installed, along with a new ventilation system. New combination welders for some of the booths were purchased, as well.

“The facility’s very nice and now we’re anxious to see a lot of work take place in here, a lot of learning and a lot of kids who go on to great careers in these different areas,” said Bob Freese, chair of the Industrial Technology Department at Northeast.

Industrial technology teacher Bonni Riehle said the new welding booths allow students to essentially take the same courses that are offered at Southeast Community College, meaning many of them can earn dual credit for high school and college.

But there are benefits beyond potential dual credit and career training, Riehle said.

“I’ve seen kids come in here who were terrified to do anything hands-on and they leave confident with their ability to work with their hands, which even if they’re never going to do welding, that’s my favorite thing.”

Northeast will host an open house Oct. 18, 4:30-6 p.m., to show off the revamped auto and welding labs.

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