Seven Welding technology students from the La Porte County Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program at the A. K. Smith Career Center will take part in regional and state competitions this Thursday and Friday in Indianapolis.
On Thursday, March 13, a team of five students will compete in the Midwest Welding Team tournament. Each welder must demonstrate skills in one area. Team members representing A. K. Smith include James Wills (TIG Welding), Rane Ponder (MIG Welding), Tyler Bohle (Theory), John Sechrist (Flex Core), and Matt Avery (Stick Welding).
On Friday, March 14, a Fabrication Team made up of John Sechrist, Denver Schweizer, and Kyle Heider will compete in the Skills USA State Leadership and Skills Tournament. The team will be asked to create and weld a complete project within four hours. In recent years, projects have included stools, bar-b-que smokers, and other large objects.
Michigan City High School senior Rane Ponder (pictured) will also compete in the Skills USA State Competition, in the Individual division. He will demonstrate his expertise in cutting, TIG Welding, Stick Welding, and MIG welding, and will complete a written test.
“We are thrilled to be competing at a high level again this year,” said Kim Rosenbaum, Welding Tech instructor at the A. K. Smith Center. “These contests challenge students to use the theories and techniques they learn in the classroom in a competitive environment. It really helps them fine-tune their skills and broaden their knowledge.”
Last school year, the La Porte County Welding Technology Program at A.K. Smith received Indiana’s CTE Award for Excellence, the highest award given to a career and technical education program in the state. Many current and former students have secured internships, scholarships, and apprenticeships.
In their own words...“Why We Weld”
Matt Avery: I am a senior at South Central. I have learned way more than I ever thought I would. There is so much to learn in the Welding field, and you can advance to new things all the time! The CTE Program has taught me many new things, and I really like what I do here. I plan on going into the welding field after high school. My goal is to go into an apprenticeship and learn more while I’m working.
Tyler Bohle: I am a Michigan City High School junior in my first year in Welding Technology. CTE programs are great to get into. You learn so much and have lots of fun while doing so. You get a head start on college with the credits you earn. In programs like this one, you can even get certified.
Kyle Heider: I’m 18 and I attend Michigan City High School. I enjoy that the Welding Techology class is 95% hands-on work. The Welding class has changed my plans for the future by leading me into this as a career.
Rane Ponder: I am a senior at Michigan City High School, and this is my second year in Welding at A. K. Smith. I like going to the Career Center because it is mostly hands-on learning. I’m also going to be getting an Entry Level 1 Certification and 12 college credit hours.
Denver Schweizer: After I graduate from Michigan City High school in June, I will start Hobart Welding Institute on October 3, 2014. After I graduate from that program, I plan to be a traveling welder, working with the Pipefitters. The CTE program is taught in different ways than my academic classes. It’s hand-on, and my class has about 15 students in it, so Ms. Rosenbaum can work individually with everyone who needs help.
John Sechrist: I am 18 and I attend Westville High School. I currently have an internship at GAF in Michigan City. I chose to get into the Welding program because I wanted to prepare for my future, and I was really interested in welding. My future plans are to continue my career in welding and get more certifications to better myself. I would like to send a message to kids that nothing comes free. The more you know, the more you’re worth. And even if you don’t want to do this as your career, it’s still a valuable skill to have.
James Wills: I am 18 and attend South Central High School. I have been in the Welding Technology program for two years. This program has set my mind on my future path. I enjoy the Welding program very much, and I know it’s what I want to do as a career. On October 3 of this year, I will begin a nine-month program at the Hobart Institute of Welding, which involves structural and pipe welding classes. I am excited to see how my plans unfold for the future.