The Arizona Western College Institute of Welding Technology was the host for the fourth bi-annual “Welders Without Borders” career technical education symposium on October 20, 2006. 

Samuel Colton, professor of welding at the college and founder of the program explains, “The program’s mission is to advance welding knowledge with no borders on earth or in space.  Through the program, welding professionals from around the world are able to share their knowledge and experience with welding students to advance the future of our industry and build understanding between people, using the advancement of metals technology to inspire a knowledge that improves lives, builds nations, and gives hope to millions.” 

More than 350 college and high school students from Arizona and neighboring states turned out for the event. 

The theme of this year’s program, “Build the Dream”, is an education program concentrated on the skills and education it takes to build the American dream through hard work and innovation… ingredients found in the American legend, the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company.  Mr. Jeff Majors, an H-D Welding Staff Engineer from the Willie G. Davidson Design Division, was the keynote speaker.  He spoke to those in attendance about the welding processes, equipment and procedures for production of the V-Rod and other motorcycles produced at this company. 

Breakout sessions were presented by program partners in welding, air conditioning, and automotive:

Mr. Don Peterson – Miller Electric Company Pulsed MIG Welding
Mr. Nic Peterson – Miller Electric Company Achieving Career Goals through SkillsUSA

Mr. Jeff Shively - Thermadyne Corporation Plasma Cutting and OFC Technology 
Mr. Paco Perez - MK Products Robotic Orbital GTAW Welding of Stainless Steel Tubing 
AWCIWT Students  Plasma CAM Robotic Cutting                                                  

Mr. Trian Georgeou - Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus Design and building of their Mini Baja Car                  

Lt. Tim Lane of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Officer Riding Safety

Professor Larry Stanley AWC Automotive Institute  Automotive Performance Technology

Professor Lee Altman AWC ACR HVAC Technology Staying as cool as your ride: Looks at home or on the road.

Professor David Godley AWC SIFE Achieving Success Through Free Enterprise

The program also included a “rally for education” with motorcycle and auto enthusiast invited to show their rides.  Stock, custom, street and off road vehicles were welcomed. The focus was on the students, the rides and the technology.   An essay contest included entries from high school and college students with the winner earning a $50.00 award. 

To add to the excitement, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles from Yuma’s own H-D dealer Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson were on display.

Arizona Western College expresses special thanks to WestAir of Yuma for donating all the welding gases used for this event and other program partners to include the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology Troy Ohio for donating materials and door prizes.  Perhaps our most important partner has been the students who attended the AWCIWT SkillsUSA CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) student chapter members  who demonstrated leadership in helping with  this event.