Polaris Weld School: Company Expands Employee Education Programs to Support Product Demand

Supply and demand is a key component of our economy and Polaris Huntsville is facing its own challenge to meet the demand for welders by supplying education programs.

The manufacturer introduced its Polaris Weld School employee training program last November.  Team members interested in learning to weld were offered hands-on training after their scheduled shift.

Due to record-setting product demand, which has outpaced internal weld capability, and the weld talent available in the greater Huntsville area, the program has been expanded.

“We at Polaris Huntsville are committed to having a positive impact on the community by providing social and economic growth through means of employment,” said Plant Director McKinley James. “We value our partnerships with our local colleges and look forward to extending within the Huntsville-Madison area and continuing to offer skill development for employees.”

2021 graduate Destiny Logan said the program helped her realize a long-time dream.

“My mother has been welding for 15 years and I always wanted to become a welder, but I thought I had to pay to go to school. I started as a contractor in an entry level position, I worked hard, and Polaris provided me with an opportunity to realize my goal,” she said. “At Polaris, I have seen a lot of advancement, you can get to a lot of different levels fast, which is different from other companies and is the primary reason I sought out employment with Polaris.”

The Weld School program begins with a basic introduction of welding and weld safety. Team members then begin hands-on weld training on the manufacturing floor. This eight-hour training experience allows team members to learn the trade in a realistic work environment. Each training session can accommodate up to six team members and is offered three times per month.

Once training is complete, team members are required to complete a welding test to demonstrate their welding capability. Upon passing this test, Polaris team members have the credentials and training required to apply for internal weld openings.

To join the Polaris team, apply at Polaris.com/career