Area Boy Scouts to learn welding with local iron workers

Saturday’s Merit Badge Day to include hands-on training as Scouts gain skills.

Photo: Bryce Carithers/PEXELS

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URBANA - Dozens of area Boy Scouts from across Central Illinois will earn merit badges on Saturday as they learn welding techniques from expert tradesmen who’ve helped build some of the largest and most iconic buildings in the area.

Scouts from the Champaign Holy Cross Boy Scout Troop 9 will learn to weld from 8am to 12pm on Saturday. Another group will do the same from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Iron Workers Local 380, located 1602 Butzow Drive in Urbana.

Scouts will spend about an hour learning welding safety measures, before they put on gloves and goggles and prepare to fuse objects with a welding machine.

Certified welders from Iron Workers Local 380, the area labor union representing nearly 250 local residents, will instruct the scouts on proper techniques and safety.

Local 380, founded in 1923, serves 17 counties in East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana, providing services that include erecting and connecting the skeletons of bridges, stadiums and large structures.

Local 380 is currently accepting applications for their 2024 apprentice class. Those who turn 18 before September are welcome to apply for positions with starting wages of at least $23.45 an hour, guaranteed to climb to $36.08 an hour after four years of on-the-job training.

Applications and more information can be found at www.ironworkers380.org.

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