Sparking a Friendly Competition Amongst High School Welders

Between the hammering, grinding, and sparks flying were smiles under the helmets. Fifty-four high school students from across the Palmetto State gathered at the Airport Campus on Friday, February 23, 2024 to participate in the annual S.C. High School Welding Competition. The annual competition brings together some of the most talented high school welders in a growing workforce.

Competitors were split and judged on two categories: Groove and Filet. A groove weld is used to create an opening in a weld joint to achieve necessary penetration. Filet welding joins together two pieces of metal at an angle or when perpendicular.

"You can be the greatest welder in the world but if you aren't able to work well and safe, then you aren't going to be a valuable employee," said Nick Legg, an MTC welding instructor who helps execute the competition. "These students need to be able to master the art of welding and control. They need good hand-eye coordination and to be able to hold the electrode steady to meet all the requirements." 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 432,000 openings in 2022 across the nation for welders with the median pay coming to $47,500 a year. Those in the field can specialize in different types of welding such as hyperbaric, boilermaker, or aerospace which could increase their annual/hourly wage, but can be more challenging and dangerous.

"Welding is dangerous," said MTC welding instructor Josh Smith. "You're working with flammable explosive gases. You've got sparks and flames, but you're taught all the safety precautions beforehand. And as you're learning, you are being taught what to do, how to do, all while being safe."

While the competition was a chance to sharpen their skills amongst peers, it was also a chance for the students to score big on prizes. Over $20,000 of new equipment, accessories, and machinery were up for grabs, with the top being a new welder costing approximately $3,000.

Welding competition for high school students in SC

WLTX News 19 - February 23, 2024