On Tuesday January 14th, the Steamfitters Technology Center played host to the annual Skills USA District 10 Competition! High School Students from more than 10 different schools in the area tested their skills in both individual welding and fab team competitions.  

“They’re athletes in their trade and this (competition) gives them an amazing opportunity to put the skills they’ve learned in their vocational classes to the test” says Three Man Fab Team Chairman, Travis Crate.  

In addition to showcasing their skills, participants also worked alongside current Local 449 apprentices. They received assistance and evaluation from our world class instructors at the technology center. 

“Students get an up-close look at what it’s like to work in the industry at the elite level. They’re standing right there working side-by-side with real apprentices that work in the field” says Welding Chairman, Ted Zablocki. 

The students competing are the potential future of our industry, which is why Local 449 has championed this specific event for many years. It is the first real introduction to our organization, so, the instructors take pride in providing these young men and women this hands-on interactive experience at our state-of-the-art training facility.  

“The Steamfitters are second to none when it comes to supporting the welding program. They’ve bent over backwards for over 15 years to help us out” Zablocki added. 

We want to congratulate all this year’s participants! The first-place winners of last week’s event will advance to the state competition this spring in Williamsport.