On March 10, 2023, DCTC Welding Instructor Russell McFall took five students to compete in the annual SkillsUSA North Alabama District Welding Contest held at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, AL. Multiple counties that comprise the North District came together to compete for the top five spots to represent their district at the state level. The contest consisted of advanced and beginner categories. Advanced students had to complete four welding projects using four different processes in multiple positions and joint designs, an oxy-fuel cutting project, and a written exam. Beginner students had to complete a welding project using the stick process for their test with two different welding rods in multiple positions and joint designs.
McFall stated, “I want to thank Calhoun Community College staff and welding instructors for hosting the contest. A lot goes into hosting a contest like this, and I appreciate their time and effort. I’m also very satisfied with my students’ time and effort they put in to prepare for the contest. The North District is the hardest to compete in because of all the great schools we have to compete against. Congratulations to our advanced level students Ben Smith for winning, Jonathan Ramirez for placing 3rd, and Fernando Alanis for placing 4th. These guys will represent North Alabama at the state level to compete against the other districts. McFall explained, “SkillsUSA State Welding Championships in Career Tech Education are different than sports like basketball and football. We have three total districts across the state with multiple counties that make up a district. So each district has a contest with all its counties to decide who is in the top 5. Each district brings the top 5 that placed in its competitions to Mobile for the state championship. Only 15 students compete in the advanced category, and 15 students compete in the beginner category titles.”
DeKalb County Career Tech Supervisor Jonathan Phillips stated, “It is always great to see our students excel in SkillsUSA competitions. I am proud of all our students and Mr. McFall. It is no easy task to succeed in the North Alabama SkillsUSA District welding competition and advance to the state. Congratulations to all our winners and state qualifiers, and good luck at state, Go Miners!”