Staff Report
HUNTSVILLE- On Nov. 29, 2023, DeKalb County Technology Center Welding Instructor Russell McFall took 8 students to the 13th Annual Drake State Technical College Welding Competition in Huntsville, AL. Multiple tech schools were represented at the competition, and each school was allowed to bring nine students—three in each division for advanced, Intermediate, and beginner categories.
The advanced contest was for students who had one or more years of tech school. The contest consisted of welding two different projects with various Joint designs, multiple positions, and processes. The first project was carbon on steel material that was welded with SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes. The second project was on aluminum that was welded with the GTAW process.
The Intermediate contest was for students who also had at least one or more years of tech school. This contest consisted of welding a carbon steel project with multiple joint designs and positions using only the SMAW process but three different types of rods.
The beginner contest was for new students who are taking tech school for the first time. The contest consisted of welding a carbon steel project in multiple positions and Joint designs using only the SMAW process but with two different types of rods.
Students were competing for the top three spots in each category. Multiple different prizes of welding supplies worth hundreds of dollars were given to the students who placed in the top three. Drake State Technical College and local businesses provided all prizes.
Thomas Matthews placed second in the Advanced category. In the Intermediate category, Shelby Parker placed second, and in the Beginner category, Noah Brothers placed first.
McFall said, “I would like to thank Drake State Welding instructors Joseph Bevel and Kory Rafferty for the invitation because it is a great experience for our students. They do such a good job of simulating a real-world weld test experience. The students are given a random blueprint they have never seen and then try to weld it the best they can correctly.” McFall added, “This competition is normally the first one of the year and always seems to be the hardest one. It tests our students’ skills and knowledge, along with how they will respond under pressure. I sometimes think this contest is harder than the AL SkillsUSA Welding State Championships. The schools that compete are the best of the best in North Alabama, so placing in each category at this contest is hard. I’m super proud of my students and how well they represented our Tech School.
DeKalb County Career Tech Director Jonathan Phillips stated, “It is always great when our students can compete against the top schools because it prepares them for real-world opportunities after graduation. I am proud of Mr. McFall and his students.”