Press Release
Wheeling Hosts Inaugural Welding Contest for Local Students
WHEELING — In a showcase of talent and skill, the Ironworkers Local 549 hosted its first-ever welding contest for high school and vocational students in the Ohio Valley on Wednesday. Thirteen students from five local schools—including Belmont County Career Center, Harrison County Career Center, Swiss Hills Career Center, Brooke High School, and John Marshall High School—competed in both vertical and overhead welding challenges.
Stephen Sipos, apprenticeship coordinator for Ironworkers Local 549, highlighted the importance of such events, stating, "We have a lot of really good programs for the high schools and vocational schools." He emphasized that competitions like these help students understand real-world applications of their skills and prepare them for future job opportunities.
Participants engaged in tasks reflective of the welding certification process, providing invaluable practice before entering the workforce. Belmont County Career Center’s Ryder Gainer noted the benefits of competing, stating it allowed students to learn from their peers’ techniques.
Brooke High’s welding instructor, Larry Jones, echoed this sentiment, adding that such events are crucial for preparing students for the competitive nature of the industry. Sipos aims to expand the contest in future years, inviting more schools to participate.
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