Sparking Success: How a career tech welding program fueled two high school grads into high-tech careers

When it comes to career and technical education (CTE), the ultimate goal is simple: Graduate students who are not just employable, but exceptional. At Industrial Magnetics, Inc. (IMI), two recent CTE welding graduates, Ken Balch and Noah Postmus, are proving that with the right training, young professionals can step out of the classroom and straight onto the manufacturing floor without missing a beat.

Today, both work as full-time welders at IMI in Boyne City, specializing in highly skilled, food-grade stainless steel applications and precision TIG welding.

“Anyone who comes out of Dave Muladore’s CTE welding program is ready to work and has the whole package,” says Casey House, IMI Director of Operations. “They can think creatively, think outside the box, and work to make us better every day. They brought the skills, but they are also just great people to work with.”

Both Balch and Postmus’s journeys began early. After sampling the welding program in 9th grade, both students committed to the trade from 10th through 12th grade under the instruction of Dave Muladore, leading them to begin their careers right out of high school.

The young men are both 2025 graduates of East Jordan High School. They were recently celebrated together at IMI by Char-Em ISD at a “Career Tech to Careers” signing event. Career Tech to Careers events were established by Char-Em’s Career and Technical Education Department to recognize high school students who pursue careers after graduation based in part on their enrollment in career tech classes in high school. 

Muladore runs his classroom less like a school and more like a real-world fabrication shop. In fact, Balch and Postmus became Muladore’s “go-to guys,” essentially serving as project managers for the classroom – ordering parts, managing projects, and leading fabrication tasks. Postmus even doubled down on his training by taking extra night classes with Muladore.”I can definitely count on them to give 100% and go above and beyond,” said Muladore. 

A pivotal turning point for both was participating in the Young Professionals Program, an 8-week paid summer experience. The program threw them into the deep end, challenging them with repair welding and large-scale community projects – some far bigger than anything they had ever tackled before.

While they shared a classroom, their initial motivations were unique. Balch knew early on that he wanted to work with his hands and experience something different every day. For him, welding was the perfect blend of creation and hands-on problem-solving. Postmus initially thought he wanted to pursue a traditional engineering degree. However, once he got behind the welding mask, he realized he preferred the practical application – designing, engineering, and physically building the pieces himself.

The transition from student to professional can be daunting, but Balch and Postmus stepped into IMI with immediate confidence. Because of the rigor of their CTE program, they required very little guidance on welding technique. They already had the skillset; they just needed to learn IMI’s specific product line.

IMI manufactures complex magnetic housings for the food industry and massive magnetic separators used in the recycling sector to separate aluminum from steel.

The hiring process itself speaks to the bond and work ethic of the duo. Balch was hired first at IMI. Knowing the caliber of talent required, Balch let the team know that Postmus would be a perfect fit, too. Soon after, Postmus joined the team. Now, six months into their careers, both have become invaluable assets to the company.

Balch and Postmus earned articulated college credit during their time in the welding program, allowing them to skip introductory welding courses and fast-tracked their higher education. Both are continuing their education at Kirtland Community College, pursuing certificates in Industrial Maintenance. They are expanding their skillsets far beyond welding, diving into mechanical drives and pump systems, electrical and pneumatic systems, and HVAC technology.

Blending work and school can be tough, but IMI sponsors their growth through a tuition reimbursement program. 

“We haven’t struck out yet, and we are excited to continue our relationship with the CTE program,” says House. “It’s good for us, and it’s good for the community. It gives people a great career path, and it’s fun to watch these guys grow.”

Now successfully launched into their careers, Balch and Postmus have simple but powerful advice for younger students considering a CTE path:

• Balch: “Take the classes offered to you, and take them seriously.”
• Postmus: “If you find something you like, stick with it.”

Photo caption:

Pictured at a recent Career Tech to Careers signing event for Noah Postmus (front left) and Ken Balch (front right) at IMI in Boyne City are (back row, from left): David Muladore (EJ Welding Instructor), Josh Todd (JMG Specialist), Jim Rummer (CTE Director), Casey House (IMI Director of Operations), Hannah Sanderson (CTE Consultant), Mike Weber (IMI)