North Georgia Technical College’s Welding program recently awarded three area high school student SkillsUSA region winners with various welding supplies generously donated by local companies and individuals following a record-breaking competition with 14 students participating.
Brant Roberts from Franklin County High School claimed first place and received a MIG welder, torch set, gear bag, and grinder valued at $1,800. Claiming second place along with a torch set, gear bag, and grinder valued at $1,000 was Jay Grice from White County High School. Garrett Pless from Stephens County High School claimed third place along with a gear bag and grinder valued at $650. In addition, each welding competitor received gloves, safety glasses, a bandana, an NGTC Welding hat, and an NGTC Welding shirt.
Prizes were valued at more than $3,600 and were donated by Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVACR Technicians Local Union 72; IMI Industrial Services Group; Safety Plus, Inc.; CMC of Georgia; Airgas; Miller Electric; Lincoln Electric; Jacob Anderson; John Bleckley; Cory Brawner; Tom Davis; Zeke Frye; Derrick Harvey; Eli Hewell; Tony Justice; Levi Pulliam; Stephen Stefanini; and John Thurmon.
“I participated in SkillsUSA as a student and now, having the opportunity to host one of the competitions is a great honor,” said NGTC Welding Instructor Dusty Bolman. “To see the students excited for the opportunity to compete and be a part of something that is shaping their futures is very rewarding. We would not be able to run such an exciting and lucrative competition without the support of our welding instructors, current welding students (judges), NGTC faculty and staff, and our industry supporters.”
“We love being a part of this event,” said NGTC Industrial Technology Department Chair and Welding Instructor Ronnie Ayers. “I also competed as a high school student and feel it had a great impact on me. We work hard to get great prizes with the hope that it encourages the competitors to really work hard and be the best they can be so that they have a better chance of winning. To that, I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors.”
For more information regarding North Georgia Technical College programs or admission, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.
