This quarter for the welding shop has been a very exciting time. First, the students were introduced to TIG welding, which is called the “white glove” welding by welders because it fetches the most money but requires the most skill and dexterity. It requires the use of a foot pedal to control heat input as well as both hands, one for the torch and one for the filler metal. This is always a challenging point in every young welder’s curriculum because even if they were able to master stick welding and MIG welding, TIG is a difficult welding technique for anyone to learn. Though there was more patience and perseverance involved, seeing students progress in their skills with TIG is always particularly rewarding.
We ended a great quarter with the SkillsUSA Region 4 Competition that was initially delayed by two weeks due to severe winter weather. This was actually seen as a huge boon because it gave the three competing seniors, Dom Ayala-Millan, Hugo Mendieta and Kyle Nixon an extra two weeks of practice. All three competitors did fantastic, but we are exceptionally proud of Kyle Nixon for placing third in the competition and propelling Ash Fork High School welding shop to a place it’s never been before: SkillsUSA State Competition! Bravo, Kyle Nixon! He is going to be using the next quarter to gear up for the upcoming, two –day competition at the Phoenix Convention Center. His preparation for this phenomenal event not only includes welding and fabricating however, he is also going to be going through mock interviews in order to prepare for the competition interview and sharpen his welding knowledge in order to ace the upcoming written welding skills exam. Good luck!
