Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, The New York Times visit Welding lab

Clark’s Welding lab was visited by U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and a reporter and a photographer from The New York Times on February 26.

The New York Times is writing a story about the congresswoman in conjunction with the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.

The visit to Clark’s Welding program demonstrated the link between the many jobs that the bridge construction will create and how Clark College trains welders and fabricators for workforce-ready jobs, such as building a new I-5 Bridge.

During her visit, the congresswoman spoke with welding instructors, chatted with students, and observed them welding their projects. She even donned a helmet, gloves, and apron, wielded a torch, and tried her hand at welding.

On social media accounts, she posted six photos and wrote: “I was back @clarkcollege yesterday, and I met with students…getting their weld jobs done. I heard from them about why they chose the trades and took a look at some of their projects—including a mock pressure vessel! They even let me try my hand at a weld.”

As a staunch supporter of careers in the trades, the congresswoman last visited Clark’s Welding, Diesel Technology, and Automotive labs in May 2023. Before serving in Congress, she and her husband co-founded Dean’s Car Care, an auto repair and machine shop in Northeast Portland that he continues to own and operate today.

Photos courtesy of Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office.