High school students compete in 2024 SWCC Welding Skills Challenge

High school students were on Southwestern Community College's Creston campus on Thursday, April 4, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., competing in the 2024 Welding Skills Challenge.

During their time at Southwestern, students competed individually and in teams, networked with industry professionals, and learned about career opportunities in the welding field. During competition, the students rotated through three welding stations, including oxy-acetylene, SMAW/stick, and GMAW/MIG. Local welding experts served as the judges for the hands-on competition.

Contest winners included the following:

• Team Winner - Clarke High School
• Top Individuals - First Place, Ryder Collins, Clarke High School; Second Place - Ethan Davids, Red Oak High School; and Third Place - Baz Clear, Red Oak High School

A big thank you to the event sponsors: Airgas, Altec, and H&H Trailers.

Southwestern's welding program offers a one-year diploma program, as well as a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in welding. Luke Nelson is the lead instructor for the college's welding program.