Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District welding instructor Cliff Danis gives an impromptu lesson to his students around the trailer now up for auction in the Riverside Dodge showroom on Ludington Street. Pictured, from left, are welding students Andrew Tourangeau, Wyatt Krouth, William Kleikamp, and Joe Anderson, welding instructor Cliff Danis, and teaching ssistant Bob LaFave. Danis said the project was a team effort by about 30 students over the past 18 months, some of whom graduated last spring. (Photo by Caroline Carlson, Escanaba Daily Press)

ESCANABA — The Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District welding students are auctioning off another metal marvel. This time, an extra heavy-duty, reinforced construction trailer with a 3,500 pound axle weight rating.

DSISD Welding Instructor Cliff Danis credited three different classes for their contributions. The welding class did the construction, after creating the working engineered prints and material lists. The construction trade class took donated boards, cut them to size, finished, planed and attached them. Tail lights were installed and wired by the automotive class.

“It was a whole DSISD effort, at end of the day,” said Danis.

Danis said support received from local businesses was key to its successful completion. Northern Machine and Repair — an ongoing partner in welding class projects — helped the students obtain the steel, Sign UP Graphics assisted with advertising, Sherwin Williams helped provide paint, and Fastenal helped with hardware. The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association donated the deck boards, and Riverside Dodge provided free floor space in its showroom to display the finished trailer.

“It’s always been important to our ownership that we support the DSISD. When Cliff approached us about displaying the trailer in the showroom, we were excited to have the opportunity to display such excellent craftsmanship, especially when built by local students,” said Riverside Dodge Business Manager EJ Russell.

The five-foot by ten-foot trailer is made of AWS-certified, A36 structural steel — the same steel used on bridges and skyscrapers- and fitted with a two-inch ball hitch. It’s perfect for a side-by-side, quad, or compact-utility tractor — anything that fits on a five-by-ten trailer, according to Danis.

This is the second project auctioned by DSISD students to support the welding program. In March 2019 the students completed a log splitter, which was auctioned off to the Community Foundation for Delta County.

The project was initially planned for completion during the 2019-2020 school year, but the pandemic forced the welding students to change this goal to the 2020-2021 school year, as in-person attendance was restricted.

“Career and Technical Education students like hands-on projects, so distance learning posed a lot of challenges. It was on-again, off-again,” said Danis.

The money raised by the auction will be put back into the welding program to cover additional costs that arise with extracurricular projects. Danis said an important aspect of the project-based approach is connecting students with practical, real-world experience. The lesson seems to resinate with the welding students. Though they earn credit for working on group projects, Danis doesn’t lack for volunteers.

“As long as the projects are paying for themselves by covering costs, we plan to continue with them,” said Danis.

The DSISD welding program is accredited with the American Welding Society, providing students the option of certification. Danis said when his students graduate, their welding experience opens up several possibilities. Some go into apprenticeships, others go right into the work force or to Bay de Noc Community College for their two-year degree. Some go on to a four-year college or beyond, pursuing careers in fields such as engineering.

“Career and technical education as a whole right now is on the upswing, and a lot of school boards are recognizing technical education as alternative to a traditional four-year degree,” Danis said, adding, “The skills gap in this country is huge. Demand for skilled labor right now is rising exponentially.”

In addition to group projects, Danis encourages his students to work on personal projects.

“It’s about conceptualizing a project, then applying skills and knowledge in a way that is useful, practical and relatable — seeing it come full circle,” said Danis.

The trailer is on display in the Riverside Dodge showroom at 2511 Ludington street. The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested in purchasing the trailer can mail their bids to: Delta Schoolcraft ISD – Attention Welding, 2525 3rd Ave S, Escanaba, MI 49829.