ECC to host high school welding competition May 3

Elgin Community College's Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies division is holding its second annual high school welding competition on Friday, May 3.

Thirty-nine students from Elgin, Hampshire, Dundee-Crown, Burlington, Geneva, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, Batavia, Marengo and Sycamore high schools, will compete in Building O, Room 104.

Competitors will take a written test on basic welding fundamentals and a hands-on test on MIG welding. ECC faculty members Dave Reich, professor of welding, and Marc Hucek, assistant professor of welding, will be the judges. Both are Certified Welding Inspectors .

"Events like this provide motivation for the high school students training during the year," said Hucek. "It's a way for them to receive some recognition for their hard work and dedication. Those who have this highly desired skill will be able to find a great paying job and do something they love."

The competition is sponsored by Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., Pipefitters Local 597, Blue Demon Welding Products, Airgas, Weldstar, Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher, National Standard and Lincoln Electric. Several of the sponsors have donated welding equipment and supplies that will be awarded to the winners.

ECC offers a two year Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Fabrication Technology and a basic welding certificate that can typically be completed in one year. Students gain hands-on experience in the welding lab and learn welding concepts from expert instructors. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for work as a welder, cutter, fitter, solderer or brazer.

Visit elgin.edu/welding to view a list of ECC's career and technical degrees and certificate options.