The American Welding Society has named Lake Erie College Welding Instructor, Bill Miller, Cleveland Region District 10’s Instructor of the Year for his work at the Eastern Lake County Welding Hub, located at Perry High School.
“I have been really blessed with some great students here at Perry who are putting the time and effort into becoming professionals,” Miller said. “I would like to thank my best friend and wife Lisa Miller for supporting this way of life and all my mentors I’ve had along the way, Mike Ryan here at Perry, Carl Gunther and Carl McSween at Auburn, Joe Kolasa, Lyle Binns, Karl Hoes, and Joel Gibbon, and Charlie LaRiche at Lincoln Electric.”
The welding hub, which opened earlier this year, serves students from Eastern Lake County. Miller works with students who gain pathways to graduation by earning various welding certifications.
“Mr. Miller is a very hands-on teacher,” said Perry senior Isaac Aboytes. “When I first started, I wasn’t sure what to do, and Mr. Miller came into the booth and was willing to guide me every step of the way with my welding. I plan to get a job after I graduate, and I’m not sure what that will be like, but I know Mr. Miller will definitely be willing to help.”
Miller previously won this award in 2011 while working for Lincoln Electric Welding School. A former Perry High School student himself, Bill got his start in welding at Auburn Career Center. Upon graduation, he took a job at Lincoln Electric, where he spent the next 18 years teaching before taking his current position at Lake Erie College.
"Bill Miller has returned to Perry, not as a parent or an alumnus this time, but as a high-quality welding instructor with years of career experience from Lincoln Electric to share with students,” Perry Local School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Betty Jo Malchesky said. “Bill works hand over hand with students to them become high quality welders who can deliver back to our community's workforce.”
“I believe these young people will develop great skills and work habits that should translate to a good-paying career,” Miller said. “Welding is a field in very high demand, and we will be missing half a million welders when my generation retires, so it’s a great time to get into this trade.”
Jen Schuller, President of Lake Erie College, expressed pride in Miller’s achievement, stating, “Bill's dedication to his students and his craft is a testament to the values we strive for at Lake Erie College. His leadership in the welding program has not only earned him this well-deserved recognition but has also opened doors for many students to pursue successful careers in a critical, growing industry.”
For more information about the welding facility, or Lake Erie College’s College Credit Plus program, please visit lec.edu.