Grant helps Tipton FFA teach kids real welding skills in virtual reality

Submitted by Tipton Community School Corporation

The Tipton FFA and agriculture education program has been awarded more than $36,000 for the purchase of a Lincoln VRTEX Welding Training System and accompanying equipment. These funds were awarded in the 2025 educational grant cycle from the Tipton County Foundation and the 2025 Campbell Family Foundation grant cycle.

This equipment has enabled Tipton High School to add state-of-the-art virtual reality training to its existing welding curriculum, better monitor student progress, and prepare a generation of workers to work for employers that use automated welding.

This simulator is the newest model Lincoln offers, allowing students to practice GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW welding processes through a guided training program. Students in grades 10 through 12 in the welding course will be able to take advantage of the on-screen prompts to perfect their welding technique while being graded on each practice attempt. They can practice many different positions and types of welds with zero cost to the school for consumables or equipment.

This photo from the VRTEX product literature shows what is included with the 360 Compact system from Lincoln Tech. Each “coupon” allows students to practice different types of welds at various positions without the cost of metal coupons and filler metal. (Photo provided)

Students in principles of agriculture can try their hand at welding on the simulator before trying welding in the booth for the first time, adding a level of comfort and easing nerves about trying something new. Many students will be able to try out welding at scheduling and information nights to see if it is right for them before signing up for the course. The hopes of this recruitment process are to increase enrollment in agriculture power, structures, and technology courses to increase the number of students entering the welding trade. By 2028, it is projected that approximately 330,000 welding professionals will be needed. This welding simulator will help Tipton High School recruit and train the next generation of welders to meet this growing demand.

Tipton FFA appreciates the generosity of both foundations who believe in the future of welding and agricultural education at Tipton and are willing to support students now and into the future.