2023 WELDING REGIONAL RESULTS
Pike Central Vocational Welding students swept the top five places at the Region 4 Skills USA Welding Contest held at Vincennes University on Saturday, February 4. Six Pike Central Vocational Welding students competed with Forest Park senior Anthony Merkley placing first. Anthony received a $2,500 scholarship from Vincennes University.
Placing second was Forest Park senior Gavin Sermersheim. Gavin received a $1,000 scholarship from Vincennes University.
Placing third was Northeast Dubois senior Gaige Schepers. Gaige received a $500 scholarship from Vincennes University.
Placing fourth was Jasper senior Nathan Burger. Nathan received a $500 scholarship from Vincennes University.
Placing fifth was Forest Park senior William Werner. William received a $500 scholarship from Vincennes University.
The top five students from each region will advance to the State Contest that will be held at Local 440 Plumbers and Steamfitters Training Facility in Indianapolis on April 14-15. The state winner will represent the State of Indiana at the National Contest held June 19-23 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Students were evaluated on the following:
- 100 question welding theory written test
- S.M.A.W. process required welding a horizontal position V-groove without a backer using a 1/8th inch E7018 electrode for root, fill, and cap pass
- G.T.A.W. process required welding a horizontal T joint
- G.M.A.W. process required welding a flat tee joint, lap joint and a square groove butt joint