Being the best welder possible doesn't just happen.  It takes a lot of dedication and hard work.  Henry Sloan III of Portsmouth, Ohio, definitely doesn't shy away from challenges.  He embraces them.  This perseverance has made him one of the top welders in the State of Ohio. 

While attending the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology full time, Henry also worked full time as a welder.  After his graduation in March 2001, Henry passed the entrance tests and joined the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 577 of Portsmouth, Ohio.  While the UA generally waives one to two years of the five‑year apprenticeship for HIWT graduates who qualify, Henry voluntarily chose to pursue the entire five‑year apprenticeship.

"He wanted to make sure he learned it all," says Randy Ward, Director of Certification Programs for the UA. 

Henry went on to win the apprenticeship contest in welding ‑ Pipefitter Division ‑ in the State of Ohio that was held April 24 ‑ 27, 2006.  He has now completed his apprenticeship and UA Local 577 keeps him busy.  At the time of this writing, Henry was welding Monel(r) in a fabrication shop.  When that job is completed, he will move on to wherever he is needed. 

“I would like to recognize Hobart Institute for the excellent training I received,” says Henry, “and UA Local 577 for the opportunities they have given to me.” 

"Henry is one of the best welders we have," says Kent Van Deusen, Director of Training at Local 577.  "Companies know his work and request his services." 

Henry's determination to attain excellence by setting and following goals that have included the best training possible along with practical experience have already placed this young man at the top of his trade.  He is looking forward to a bright career!

A related article may be found in the Summer 2003 issue of The World of Welding that is posted on the www.welding.org web site at http://hobart.iserver.net/newsletters/summer2003/future.html

The UA apprenticeship is a five‑year program that teaches through classroom and on‑the‑job training.  Following the apprenticeship, welders become journeymen where they continue to advance their skills through continuous learning programs designed to provide knowledge and confidence to be the best welder on the work site.

For more information, contact:
United Association
Attn:  George Bliss
901 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
P.O. Box 37800
Washington, DC  20013‑4307
Phone:  202‑628‑5823
Fax:  202‑628‑5024
http://www.ua.org