In recognition of Russ Durham for reliable and consistent effort throughout the years in guiding students to become highly skilled welders by directing them to post-graduate training are the words on the plaque presented by President Andre Odermatt and Vice President Ron Scott of the Hobart Institute when they paid a surprise visit to Southeastern Career Center (SCC) in Versailles, Indiana, on September 3, 2003.  Russ Durham’s dedication to welding has spanned approximately 30 years and has been very diversified. 

“I have known Russ for many years,” says HIWT Vice President Ron Scott.  “He is a true professional and a shining example of an excellent welding instructor.”

Russ has been a Welding Instructor at SCC for 14 years and enjoys a fairly constant enrollment of approximately 50 students, both male and female. 

“The school administration believes that new technology is a must to prepare students for job placement and post-secondary education,” Russ says.  “I also have the support of many industrial companies and groups who support the welding classes with various donations.”

Among those are Envirex Industries who donates welding materials and the Rising Sun Foundation which gave SCC a large grant to purchase a costly six-axis welding robot. 

“The students are intrigued by the advanced technology used in the welding program when they begin the course,” Russ continues.  “The welding class is where they learn to work with others.”

Durham’s unique way of instruction is similar to an actual jobsite, making it easier for the student’s transition from school to work or to advanced training.  He has developed his own curriculum based on the use of the Hobart Institute training materials and drawing from his experience that includes structural frame construction, piping, pressure vessel welding, welding in petrochemical plants, coal fire power plants, and nuclear plants.

“Students come into my class believing post-secondary education is not necessary.  After two years in my program, many of these students change their mind and continue their education in welding,” says Russ.

Five of Russ’ former students are currently attending Hobart Institute, including Dan Biltz, Brandon Fuller, Chris Hall, Kyle Ray, and Nate Webb.   

Brandon Fuller says, “Mr. Durham always encouraged us to do our best.  He went beyond being a great teacher and a good friend.  He did everything he could for us to make it easier for us to continue our education by providing information and bringing us to tour the Hobart Institute.” 

Durham is an AWS Certified Welding Inspector and Educator.  He holds several Level III certifications in nondestructive testing areas. His senior students are required to meet the standards of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code on 3/8” plate and must be able to program a 6-axis welding robot.

Russ’ own education came from Hobart Institute, the International Brotherhood of Pipe Fitters and Iron Workers, and other welding training. 

In a renewed effort to recognize training provided by instructors such as Russ Durham at Southeastern Career Center, Hobart Institute has expanded the offer for prerequisite testing.  As students from the vocational schools choose to further their skills by enrolling in the Structural Welding Program or Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program at HIWT, they are provided with the opportunity to participate in prerequisite welding skill and written tests in the basic arc welding programs.  If they successfully pass the tests, students may bypass up to five of the basic courses, reducing their training time and cost of attendance.  For further information about this new offer, notify the Registrar at the time of registration or contact HIWT at 1-800-332-9448 or visit our web site at http://www.welding.org/downloads.html and see “Prerequisite Testing Opportunities.”

For further information about the Welding Technology Program at SCC, visit the web site at http://www.sccusa.org/sccwelding.html.