NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Hayden Daviduk, a student at Lawrence County Career & Technical Center, is gaining hands-on welding experience through a full-time internship at Flowline.

A junior heading into his senior year, Daviduk started at Flowline, a member of the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition, in May. His interest in welding began years earlier when he watched his dad using it during a project in the garage.

“There was this one time my dad was working on something, and he was welding, and I thought it looked fun,” Daviduk said. “I just kind of got into it.”

At Flowline, he works Monday through Friday, spending his days welding and grinding. Though he had no previous experience, Hayden said he picked up the skills quickly.

“I didn’t have any experience before, but I just learned how to do it,” he said. “I thought it was going to be a lot more difficult, but once I got into it, it kind of just came to me.”

When asked what he enjoys most about the job, Daviduk pointed not to the tools or the tasks, but to the team around him.

“Honestly, probably the people,” he said. “They’re really nice and they always help me out if I need something. It just makes it easier to work when everyone’s willing to support you.”

Daviduk participated in Penn College of Technology’s advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program, which is managed by Forward Lawrence. He was one of 28 local high school students who enrolled in the program this past school year.

Jeff Burns, president of Flowline, and Autumn Bonzo, HR director, spoke to the students during the program’s hands-on lab session in March, where students practiced their skills and learned about regional manufacturers and the rewarding, appealing careers they offer. Daviduk introduced himself to Burns and expressed an interest in learning more about Flowline.

Daviduk’s willingness to learn and take initiative hasn’t gone unnoticed by the team at Flowline. His story is one example of how early exposure to manufacturing can lead to meaningful career opportunities.

“Hayden is exactly the kind of young person we want to invest in,” Burns said. “He’s curious, dependable and willing to learn. We’re proud to have him on our team.”

Daviduk’s story reflects what LMMC and its partners aim to accomplish: giving young adults early exposure and support to pursue careers in manufacturing.

Pictured at top: Hayden Daviduk, a student at Lawrence County Career & Technical Center and an intern at Flowline.

CREDIT: Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition.