ACC Welding Students Earn Second Place in National Skills Competition

ACC Welding Technology students celebrate after earning second place at the National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships.

ACC Welding Technology students earned second place at the National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships, held recently in Kansas City, Missouri. They previously won first place in a state-level competition.

The team – including students Ashton Sarger, Daniel Martinez, and Chuck Baish – competed in the welding fabrication category. The students were tasked with designing and building a tool cart with a detachable work table, using a computer aided design program and a set amount of material. Team members also had to take a written exam and complete an interview.

“This is an intense competition that requires students to be in their best form while dealing with deadlines and adapting to situations,” says Brandon Whatley, chair of ACC’s Welding Technology Department. “I’m really proud of what our students have accomplished in only their second year of competition. This is a great reflection on them and our program.”

In addition to the second place finish, ACC student Michael Carrillo earned fifth place in carpentry and John Burleson received 11th place in welding metal sculpture. All participants had an opportunity to network with employers and companies.

“This field has excellent job prospects, with the workforce facing a shortage of skilled welders,” says Whatley. “From the first day of class, our students are gaining the hands-on skills employers demand.”

Learn more about ACC’s Welding Technology program by visiting austincc.edu/info/welding.

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