CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

 HOBART INSTITUTE -- THE EARLY YEARS

 Opened as the Hobart Trade School in 1930, the Hobart Institute is celebrating its 75th Anniversary throughout 2005.  This article will take you back to those first steps that laid the foundation for excellence.

 ARC WELDING CLINIC

Approximately 300 people from the county were interested spectators at the first of a series of welding clinics held at Hobart Welding School.  Farmers and farm shop operators witnessed demonstrations of the latest methods of arc welding repair and fabrication.  The main purpose of the clinic was to better acquaint farmers with arc welding and to show them that small items about the farm could be restored to service by arc welding as well as the large farm machinery repaired by their local repair shops. 

 One of the highlights of the clinic was a demonstration of a new gasoline engine driven arc welder developed by the Hobart Brothers Company.  It was a rotary AC generator combination for both welding and power service.  These first classes in the early years were designed to tell people about Hobart products and to popularize a “new” technology. 

 HOBART TRADE SCHOOL INSTALLS NEW MACHINES

Hobart Trade School recently installed several new machines that keep it abreast of the latest development.  An oxyacetylene flame-cutting machine, which uses oxygen and acetylene to cut up to six inches of metal, was added to the equipment in a new welding building (1940) that has a capacity of 64 students.  Individual welding booths provided each student with their own “shop”.  [Some things don’t change!]

 The Hobart Trade School now trains an average of 50 war veterans a month… 90 percent of the student body being former service men.  This training facility was approved under the G.I. Bill of Rights.  The faculty of the Hobart Trade School sees new faces every Monday as new classes are organized weekly.  The complete course lasts 16 weeks.  Robert Bercaw, supervisor at the school, says, “Opportunity beacons many of the new grads as welding is still in its infancy.”  He thinks only a quarter of its potential uses have been developed to date by modern industry. 

 Welding is noted as one of the most profitable trades for young men and women.  It is comparatively young and growing rapidly.  Operators with proper training are highly paid.  It offers a wonderful opportunity for travel, interesting experiences and advancement to supervisory positions. 

 SAFETY A CONSIDERATION

Early methods used in welding practice warn to make certain that tanks, having contained inflammable substances, are free of dangerous vapors and gases prior to striking an arc.  Cleaning methods, which probably would not meet the stringent standards of today, are outlined. 

 Warning is also given to make sure that jacketed containers or other hollow parts are sufficiently vented before heating, welding or cutting.  The caution continues stating that every possible precaution should be taken with vessels, tanks or containers to vent the confined air before doing any hot work.

 The cost to mail the newsletter in 1940 was one cent.  And the Hobart Arc Welding Manual, containing 516 pages with illustrations could be sent to you, postage paid, for only $2!

FRESH AIR WELDING TRAINING

To better instruct and experience the students in the operation of gasoline engine driven welders, the Hobart Welding School initiated an outside class in arc welding.   This occurred in the late 1940s or early 1950.  At the rear of the school, eight welding booths were installed on a concrete surface with a flameproof canopy that protected the students from the hot sun.  All advanced welding students spent a full week of their welding training out in the fresh air learning to  operate the welders. 

PERSONAL ATTENTION

Even in the early years, students were provided personal attention through one-on-one time with the instructors.  Many of the classes that are taught today connect to training patterns that were established and proved successful in those early years.  “Show and tell” through demonstrations and extensive hands-on practice teaches and improves techniques that are timeless and invaluable in the workplace.

TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES

Advanced or specialized training for those in industry was first being offered in the 1950s.  Companies were urged to “train your employees for welding work requiring the passing of stringent examinations.”  Employees could receive training in groups or individually in aircraft welding, maintenance welding, production welding, heavy construction, pipe welding, or whatever industry required.  Manufacturers were offered practical help with production welding problems, much as they are today, through improved education of their employees, quickly affecting their “bottom line.”   

UP TO THE MINUTE TRAINING

“Hobart’s modern welding school offers quick “brush-up” courses to bring you up-to-date on latest methods, techniques, and equipment,” an ad in the 1950s stated.  Much like today, you may register for a complete program or for just one or two classes to learn or “brush up” on techniques that have perhaps gone without practice for a number of years.  Classes are scheduled throughout the year so you may select a time that fits into your own schedule.  A successful welder is a well-trained welder.