On April 14, 2023 DeKalb County Technology Center Welding Instructor Russell McFall took 3 students to compete in a high school welding contest held at Gadsden State Community College. Technical Schools from the northeast region of the state were invited to compete and each school was allowed to bring two advanced students and two intermediate students. The advanced level had to complete two different pipe test using two different welding processes. The first was with the GTAW process in the 2G position. Second was with the SMAW process also in the 2G position but with two different types of rods. The intermediate level had to complete three different plate test using three different processes. First was with the GMAW process in the 2G position. Second was with the FCAW process in the 3G position. Third was with the SMAW process in the 4G position using two different rods. “Open root V-Groove welding joint designs on plate and pipe are very popular testing method in the real world,” said McFall. “Welding projects that an individual performs can be tested in so many different ways but this contest was specifically made to expose students to what it would be like if they were going to take a test for a company using multiple processes in different positions. I really liked the way it was set up and what a great experience for all the students to be exposed to a real world scenario.” McFall added, “I want to thank Gadsden State welding instructors Frank Miller and Darren McCrary for hosting the competition. Thank you to Lincoln Electric and McAbee Construction for providing great prizes. Also a big thank you to Local 91 Pipefitters Union, Local 108 Boilermakers Union, and for Local 92 Iron Workers Union for taking the time out of there busy schedules to judge the competition.” DeKalb County Career Tech Supervisor Jonathan Phillips stated Welding is one of the few trades where an individual must display their skill set every time, they start a new job. Competition allows the student to perfect their skillset in a pressure situation better preparing them for the real world. Congratulations to the students and Instructor Mr. Russ McFall.
Pictured from DCTC
Advanced Level = Fernando Alanis – 2nd, Jonathan Ramirez – 3rd,
Intermediate Level = Ben Smith – 3rd
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