IBEW 2320 is a dynamic local union committed to exceptional customer service, driven by the dedication of our members. We represent a wide array of professionals throughout New Hampshire, including the New Hampshire Higher Education Union (NHHEU). Together with our members, we advocate for fairness, respect, and meaningful change in the workplace. Our power lies in solidarity, and we are stronger when we stand together.
The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) plays an essential role in keeping our state economy strong by preparing students for real jobs and improving lives across New Hampshire. By spotlighting the full-time faculty members of New Hampshire’s community colleges, we can highlight the meaningful work CCSNH and NHHEU do. For our second faculty feature, IBEW 2320 spoke to Kyle Aubut of White Mountains Community College (WMCC).
The WMCC main campus is in Berlin, New Hampshire, with an academic center in Littleton. The Advanced Welding Program at WMCC Began as a full-time certificate program in the mid-2000s. Under the Program Coordinator at that time, Michael Pike, the program grew from a 12-booth out-of-date welding lab to a 38-booth lab with modern equipment, as well as the only American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Testing Facility in New Hampshire. Students are the focus of the program, and they have an opportunity to acquire seven different industry recognized certifications from the AWS and OSHA. Graduates sustain an extremely high success rate entering the workforce with their 43 business partners, most of which offer a direct hire pathway from the program.
QUOTE FROM Leah Maciejewski, Vice President of Academic Affairs, White Mountains Community College:
Kyle brings an extraordinary level of dedication to his students and to the entire Welding program. He understands that for many of them, earning a certification is truly life-changing, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He invests deeply in each person who enters the program, always willing to go above and beyond to make sure every student has the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. Whether a student needs extra time, encouragement, or just someone in their corner, Kyle shows up. That dedication is reflected in the remarkable outcomes his students achieve, and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our WMCC faculty.
Meet Kyle Aubut of White Mountains Community College
Kyle Aubut joined WMCC as a faculty member three years ago and is eager to see all his students succeed. As a teacher in the Advanced Welding Technologies department, Kyle especially enjoys teaching Pipe Welding Skills and Fundamentals. He always welcomes a challenge and imparts the value of hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done to his students.
Would you like to share any memorable moments from the classroom?
Any time a new skill “clicks” for a student is memorable. Welding is a learned skillset, so isn’t something you can learn from a book. Since students learn at different paces, when a concept “clicks” for them, that’s what stands out. I think the most memorable moment was when we had a 100% success rate in our 3G Flux Cored Arc Welding AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code test. The feeling is indescribable witnessing every one of our students succeed in their first weld test!
Why did you want to get into teaching?
From elementary school until my junior year of high school, I wanted to be a physical education teacher. This focus began to change for me when I enrolled in a two-year CTE welding program offered at my high school. I realized that I could not only “find a job” pretty easily, but I could build a long-lasting career. Welding was challenging to learn, and I have always welcomed a challenge. As I progressed in my career, teaching welding was always on my mind, so when the opportunity came up and I felt like I had the experience I needed, I went for it!
What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
Watching our students graduate and start their careers is the most rewarding part of the teaching profession. Our graduates enter the workforce and earn incredible wages and benefits. This opportunity is truly life-changing for some of these students and just knowing that we have created a positive impact on their life is rewarding.
What fills your time outside of work?
My wife and I have a nine-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter, so our schedules are pretty filled up. We are always on the move for hockey, dance, soccer, football, etc. Somehow with all that busyness, there is always time for fishing, hunting, and wrapping up side projects.
What is your best advice for college students?
I tell all our students to follow a few simple guidelines to be successful here and for their future: show up on time and ready to work, keep your hood down, work hard, ask questions, and be a good person.
How does NHHEU help you? What is your favorite thing about being a member?
Being a part of the NHHEU has created a stronger connection between faculty members than I would have expected. As a welding instructor, I typically would not have an opportunity to connect with nursing faculty since we are located at two separate wings of the college. However, our membership creates opportunities for us all to connect in new ways. Most importantly, NHHEU is here to help us so we can focus on what really matters: our students.
Know someone else who should be featured?
Thank you for taking the time to read this IBEW Local 2320 spotlight! We love sharing stories and successes of our members. If you know someone who deserves to be featured next, please email news@ibew2320.org today!
