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| This release prepared by the Office of Enrollment Systems and Community Outreach. Rebecca Eidson, Director, Ext. 2456, reidson@tctc.edu Lisa Garrett, Public Relations Associate, Ext. 2315, lgarrett@tctc.edu Laura Martin, Public Relations Assistant, Ext. 2116, lmartin5@tctc.edu |
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Tri-County Technical College Will Host State Welding Competition April 26CONTACT: BOB HUMPHREY, EXT. 2206 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/15/2002 PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College will host this year's State Technical Colleges' Annual Welding Competition set for April 26. First- and second-year welding students from the state's 16 technical colleges will compete in the welding skills projects and will be judged by inspectors and supervisors from across the state. Each technical college will send six top welding students to compete in such events as stick welding, mig welding, tig welding, structural welding, and pipe welding utilizing carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum. Tri-County's Welding students won five awards in last year's competition, making them the overall winners among the seven competing colleges. Several of the College's industry partners generously agreed to become corporate sponsors of the upcoming competition. Lift Technology of Westminster and Air Star Welding Products of Greer donated $250 each, and GE Power Solutions, AGC of Charleston and BMW of Greer donated $500 each. Max Metcalf, assistant manager for community relations, corporate communications at BMW in Greer, said the company agreed to sponsor the competition because welding is an essential component of the BMW manufacturing process. "The assembly of a safe vehicle begins with welding of the body, and each weld and connection must be made with absolute precision to ensure a flawless vehicle. Our associate take great pride in their skills and the role they play in the assembly of BMW's," said Mr. Metcalf. "Today, there are more jobs than ever in the field of welding, and these jobs specifically require a welder with certification," said Bob Humphrey, who heads Tri-County's Welding department. "I get calls three times a week from employers looking for trained welders. The best jobs, of course, require a two-year degree." Tri-County's Welding program prepares persons for a variety of employment opportunities, primarily in construction or metalworking. Training Day and evening classes are available, and persons may enter any term. Some students may elect to enter the certificate program. "Most grads are employed in the fabrication shops and pipe welders, Humphrey added. "I can place 100 percent of my graduates in May." The Continuing Education Division offers courses for beginners and experienced welders to who want to upgrade their certification. Courses are held on campus and instructors work with students' flexible schedules. For more information, contact Bob Humphrey by e-mail at bhumphrey@tctc.edu or by phone at Ext. 2206 at one of these numbers: |
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