TL;DR (Key Takeaways)

• Downtown FabWorks launches its first summer internship program, reinforcing a long-term commitment to training the next generation of fabricators in New Orleans.
• Two high school seniors from the New Orleans Career Center welding program joined the team for a 110-hour, hands-on experience in metalworks and fabrication.
• Built in partnership with New Orleans Career Center and YouthForce NOLA, the program connects students to real career pathways in skilled trades.
• Interns gain practical shop experience, safety training, and professional skills, helping prepare them for future careers in welding, manufacturing, and experiential fabrication.

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At Downtown FabWorks, we believe our work extends beyond the environments we create. As a New Orleans-based company, we see it as part of our responsibility to help develop the next generation of skilled craftspeople here in the Crescent City. We know that meaningful change is possible through hands-on training, mentorship, and real opportunities for young people who are interested in entering the trades.

We also recognize that workforce development is essential to the long-term strength of our industry across the nation. Experiential fabrication depends on a blend of creativity and technical skill, and that combination must be passed down and cultivated intentionally. By investing in emerging talent, we aim to ensure that both our local and national communities continue to grow and evolve.

From Intention to Impact

For several years, our team has been working toward launching a meaningful internship program. From the start, we’ve understood that building out an internship opportunity isn’t just about offering a job, but about building the right structure and partnerships to make the experience valuable for everyone involved. We wanted to make sure that any young people who came to learn with us were getting a great education, fair pay, and a vision of what they could accomplish. This summer, we are proud to say that goal finally became a reality!

This milestone reflects the dedication of team members who helped bring the program to life, including President & Founder Dan Krall, Director of People & Culture Essence Banks, VP of Operations Kyle Salzman, and Project Lead & Film Professional Tim Davis. Their efforts in outreach, relationship-building, and program development created a strong foundation for this initiative. Because of their work, we now have a clear pathway to connect young people with careers in fabrication.

Creating Opportunities Through Partnership

Our approach has been intentionally centered in community engagement. Over the past year, we connected with students across New Orleans who are exploring careers in STEM and the skilled trades, including visits with welding students at the New Orleans Career Center, where Dan Krall and Tim Davis shared industry insights and career perspectives. These direct interactions helped us better understand how to support students as they transition from training to the workforce.

This spring, we also participated in the GNO, Inc. Innovation Internship Program. Although we did not secure a match this year, the experience strengthened our commitment to continue participating in the future. At the same time, our partnerships with the New Orleans Career Center and YouthForce NOLA played a central role in making this internship program possible. This year also marked the beginning of our participation in the Themed Entertainment Association’s NextGen program (stay tuned for more on that great program soon).

Meet Our Summer Interns

Through these combined efforts, we are happy to announce that we recently welcomed two interns, Jacoy Mitchell and Riley Dorsey, from NOCC’s welding program into our Metalworks department! Each of these rising seniors brings a unique personality that contributes to the dynamic of our shop. Jacoy brings a thoughtful perspective, with interests in reading and writing, while Riley adds energy, curiosity, and his extensive list of pets (including a dog, snake, rat, cats, bearded dragons, and rabbits) instantly endeared him to our animal-loving team. 

Both interns are working under the leadership of Thor Carlson, Metalworks Department Lead, who is guiding them through daily shop operations and mentorship. Through this experience, they are gaining firsthand exposure to the skills, discipline, and teamwork required in a professional fabrication environment. Their involvement reinforces the importance of giving young people the chance to learn by doing.

Inside the DFW Metalworks Internship

The DFW Metalworks Internship is a 110-hour, hands-on program designed to immerse students in real fabrication work. Interns are not limited to observation; they actively support shop operations while learning foundational skills in welding, fabrication, and production processes. This structure helps build both technical ability and confidence in a professional setting.

Our interns will spend their summer:

• Assisting welders and fabricators with day-to-day shop operations
• Supporting material preparation, including measuring, grinding, sanding, and organizing
• Observing and contributing to fabrication, assembly, finishing, and quality control
• Learning workplace safety procedures, PPE usage, and proper tool handling
• Participating in mentorship and job shadowing opportunities
• Developing professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and accountability

Through this experience, interns gain a clearer understanding of career pathways in welding, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Just as importantly, they begin to see themselves as part of this industry’s future.

Why This Work Matters

Programs like this are made possible through strong partnerships with organizations dedicated to youth development. The New Orleans Career Center equips students with technical training, industry credentials, and real-world experience in high-demand fields. Their approach ensures that students are prepared to contribute meaningfully as soon as they enter the workforce.

At the same time, YouthForce NOLA connects students to career opportunities through internships and coordinated support across schools, businesses, and community partners. Their work helps young people gain practical experience while building confidence in their next steps after high school. Together, these organizations play a vital role in strengthening the talent pipeline in New Orleans.

Looking Ahead

This summer marks an important beginning for Downtown FabWorks, but it is only the start of what we hope to build. We are committed to growing this program, deepening our partnerships, and continuing to create opportunities for young people to explore careers in fabrication and skilled trades. Each step forward strengthens both our company and the broader community we are part of.

By investing in the next generation, we are helping shape the future of fabrication in New Orleans. It is a long-term commitment, and one we are proud to carry forward.

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Ready to level up? Come join the best custom experiential fabrication and design team in the Gulf South! Downtown FabWorks is always on the lookout for talented artists and craftspeople with an eye for quality and the drive to be the best in the industry. Check out our Careers page for more info.