First place winners for the WTC welding contest were (from left) Kyle Howard from Andrews, first-year student, and Jay Owens from Andrews, second-year welding student.

Williamsburg Technical College Hosts Welding Competition

Williamsburg Technical College’s welding department recently hosted a welding competition to provide students the opportunity to receive critique from local welding professionals to better prepare them for the workforce.

Of the eight students participating, three first-semester welding students and three students who have taken two or more semesters of welding were given top honors.  First semester students who competed in one welding procedure included: Kyle Howell, first place; Calvin Scott, Jr, second place; and Antwuan Nelson, third place.  Advanced students who competed in three welding procedures included Phillip Owens, first place; Myron Powell, second place; and Lance Howard, third place.

Welding instructors Jeff Ball and Jason Kinder invited plant manager Bob Meltzer and certified welding inspector Richard Jennings, both from Andrews-based Peddinghaus, to serve as judges for the event.  Stephen Touchberry with Southern Welders in Sumter and Robert Fender with National Welders provided prizes for the three top place winners in each of two categories.  Peddinghaus also provided materials for the competition.

Participants heard from Melzer and Jennings how vital it is that they strive for excellence to be competitive in the job market.  Their sentiments were echoed by Ball as well as College president Cleve H. Cox and College dean of instruction Rusty Elliott.

Winners, sponsors and instructors involved in the recent WTC welding contest included: (from left) instructor Jeff Ball; students Lance Howard from Andrews, Myron Powell from Johnsonville, Jay Owens from Andrews, Kyle Howard from Andrews, Calvin Scott from Kingstree, Antwuan Nelson from Andrews; sponsors and judges Richie Jennings and Bob Meltzer with Peddinghaus; and instructor Jason Kinder.