Deming student on track to earn two WNMU trade certificates before high school graduation
A Deming High School student is on track to graduate with WNMU welding and electrical certificates through the university’s dual enrollment technical program.
Sixteen-year-old Urijah Nordorf has completed WNMU welding coursework and is now pursuing electrical training through the university’s dual enrollment program
Organ Mountain News report
SILVER CITY - A 16-year-old Deming High School student is on track to earn two Western New Mexico University vocational certificates before graduating from high school.
Urijah Nordorf has completed WNMU’s sequence of collegiate welding courses and is now taking advanced electrical coursework through the university’s dual enrollment technical program.
WNMU said Urijah is expected to earn accredited certificates in both welding and electrical training by the time he finishes high school.
Urijah began considering a career in the trades at age 14 while working for his uncle, a general contractor specializing in steel buildings, carports and sheet metal. He said watching certified welders work showed him the earning potential of skilled trades.
“It takes some sacrifice, like giving up sports and working through high school breaks, but being able to graduate with two college certificates is entirely worth it,” Urijah said. “I’d tell any high schooler to jump on this opportunity — it completely changes what your future can look like.”
Urijah maintains a 3.0 GPA while taking honors courses in math, English, biology and history. WNMU said he stepped away from competitive baseball and wrestling tournaments to keep up with both high school and college coursework.
Because the university and school district calendars do not always align, Urijah also attends WNMU classes and labs during some high school holidays and breaks.
The university said his training has already led to part-time contract work with local developers, where Urijah has used welding and construction skills on active job sites.
Urijah’s mother, Brigette Vega, said the program gives young people in Luna County a path into skilled careers without having to leave the region for training.
“This program gives our youth a direct head start into high-demand careers without having to leave home to find top-tier training,” Vega said.
Urijah’s father, Robert Nordorf, also attended WNMU and said the university’s trade programs have evolved considerably since his time as a student.
“To see my son operating at this level of sophistication at just 16 is remarkable,” Robert Nordorf said. “WNMU has created an environment where local youth can get serious, hands-on experience, and I’m proud to see Urijah taking full advantage of how far this institution has come.”
WNMU said Urijah is the first Deming High School student on track to complete both its welding and electrical tracks before graduation.
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