High school juniors and seniors put their welding knowledge and skills to the test on Friday, November 6, during Mitchell Technical College’s “Forging the Future” High School Welding Competition.
Hosted by Mitchell Tech’s Welding Engineering Technology program, the competition continued the college’s tradition of giving aspiring welders an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, connect with industry professionals and explore careers in the skilled trades.
“This competition gives students a chance to challenge themselves and see how the skills they’re developing in high school translate to expectations in the welding industry,” said Travis Peterson, Welding Engineering Technology program director. “We want them to leave proud of what they’ve accomplished and excited about where those skills can take them.”
Participants competed using either gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). A welding knowledge exam and visual weld evaluation determined the top 10 competitors, who advanced to tensile strength testing for final placement. Industry professionals served as judges, and industry partners donated prizes.
The top three finishers were:
- First place: Landry Coy, Tea Area High School
- Second place: Addison Cushard Feddersen, Mitchell High School
- Third place: Tucker Wingert, Tea Area High School
Second-place finisher Addison Cushard Feddersen also received a $5,000 scholarship. She will attend Mitchell Tech as a first-year Utilities Pipeline Technology student before transitioning into the second year of Welding Engineering Technology to complete her degree.
“Successful welding takes more than laying down a good-looking bead. Students need to understand the process and produce a weld that performs under stress,” said Peterson. “Combining the knowledge exam with visual evaluation and tensile testing gives students a practical look at the importance of both technique and weld quality.”
Along with the competition, participants toured Mitchell Tech’s facilities and learned about training pathways and tuition assistance opportunities. The event also provided an opportunity to meet instructors and industry representatives while exploring how their interests could lead to future careers.
Mitchell Tech thanks the high school instructors who helped prepare students, the industry professionals who contributed their time and expertise, and the partners who donated prizes.
For more information about Mitchell Tech’s Welding Engineering Technology program, visit www.mitchelltech.edu.
