A TIME OF CHANGES

By Andre Odermatt.
Chairman, Board of Directors
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

Nothing remains constant and, in these economic times, continuous change is not only a necessary but also a positive fact of life. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is not immune to such economic diversity.   Phil Pratt has left HIWT and the Board of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is making positive things happen with the recent appointment of Ron Scott to the position of Vice President and General Manager. 

Formerly Director of Training, Ron has been with the Institute since 1975.  His experience as an instructor and as a manager continues to support a dedicated staff.  He knows his customers and relates well with students.  Ron brings a strong blend of knowledge and expertise to the position. 

Ron says it was realized in 1930 that producing a good weld requires not only a welding machine and electrodes, but also and most importantly the skills to manipulate the arc.  So a decision was made to open the Hobart Trade School.  This legacy that continues seventy-three years later is known as the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT).

“Today welding has advanced in leaps and bounds,” Ron explains, “and still we have a shortage of qualified welders.  Our goal as management and staff is to continue the Hobart beliefs – that welding is more essential today than it was in 1930.  For this reason, the Hobart Institute is going back to the grass roots of welding training – to the best Institute for hands-on welding training in the world.  This is my commitment to our alumni, our Board of Directors, to the Hobart family, and to all new students who wish to develop the skill in the true art of welding.”

The board looks for good things to come in the future of the Institute and continues to support the mission of the Hobart Institute dedicated to welding training and education excellence.