The Southwest Regional SkillsUSA welding contest was held March 3 at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.  Eleven students representing area vocational schools put forth their best effort during the day-long event. 

Derek Ranney of Tolles Technical Center earned first place in the competition.  Derek’s instructor is Bill Pencil.  Second place went to Luke Zink of Tri Star Career Center, under the leadership of instructor Todd Smith.  Martin Luschek of Laurel Oaks Career Center claimed the third place spot, under the direction of Eric Felts.  And the fourth and final place was earned by Steve Smithhisler of Greene County Career Center under instruction of Mike Thompson.  Each of these students proved their ability at their home schools prior to participating in the regional event. 

Others competing in the experience included Brad Anthony (Upper Valley JVS) Steven Witham (Scarlet Oaks Career Center) Robert Eli Booth (D. Russel Lee Career Center) aaron Wills (Warren County Career Center) Allen Wherry (Miami Valley Career Technology Center) Anthony Campbell (Live Oaks Career Center) and Ryan Balsley (Diamond Oaks Career Center).

Scott Rader and Richard Pridemore of Butler Technology and Career Development Center co-chaired the event while Chuck Ford, HIWT Technical Instructor, served as coordinator.  Judges included HIWT Skill Instructor Jim Starry, HIWT Technical Instructor Russ Shurtz, along with HIWT students David Chambers, Jeremy Haas, and Jeremy Thompson.

“The Hobart Institute is pleased to host this event each year,” said Chuck.  “HIWT provides an up-to-date facility that meets the needs of these young welders.  It also provides them with an opportunity to learn about what is beyond their high school experience.”

Scott Rader indicated, “The Southwest Regional SkillsUSA VICA Welding Competition brings together the best students that career and technical education has to offer in Southwest Ohio.  Students get the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the areas of blueprint reading, layout, cutting and welding on a variety of materials.  Students placing 1st and 2nd in the regional competition will be heading to the state welding competition. One reason the southwest regional welding competition is so successful is in part due to Hobart Institute of Welding who offers their facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and staff to allow this to be one of the elite regional competitions in the state.”