The Weld-Off event was sponsored by Corle Building Systems Inc., in collaboration with The Challenge Program Inc., and the GACTC, and is designed to give the students a chance to test their abilities in real-life situations.

Students had about an hour and a half to complete three different types of welds on half-inch thick steel plates, before Corle Quality Manager Jared Long assessed their work.

“I’m looking for any imperfections, porosity … lack of fusion,” Long said, noting how the three welding challenges are akin to what professional Corle welders do on the job.

Long, a 2007 GACTC alumnus, said it felt like home being back in the metal shop to see the next generation of welders.

Corle Qualify Manager Jared Long inspects GACTC students’ work during the Weld-Off contest. Mirror photo by Conner Goetz

This is the first year of the contest, but Corle hopes to turn it into an annual event with an expanded roster of regional tech schools, said Marketing Manager Hannah Gill.

“The goal is to really tap into the minds of the students,” Gill said.

Welding teacher Tim Harris praised the students’ efforts in the contest, saying how he was “exceptionally proud” of their work on challenging groove welds.

Altoona Area senior Logan Del Biondo was among the top three contest winners, who was awarded with a bag full of Corle merchandise for his efforts.

“We thought it was fun, coming in here and having a little bit of competition,” he said, “we’ve been doing this for the past couple years, so it’s nice to put all of that on display.”

GACTC students compete in the first annual Weld-Off competition. Courtesy photo by Hannah Gill

Jake Kifer, a senior welding student from AASD, said the challenge was fun and interesting, especially since some of the welds were not common in the program’s curriculum.

According to Kifer, the single bevel weld was the most difficult part of the contest, but it didn’t hinder his enjoyment of the experience.

“I love (welding), it’s just something I strive to do, something I like and enjoy.” Kifer said.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.

Corle Qualify Manager Jared Long inspects GACTC students’ work during the Weld-Off contest. Courtesy photo by Hannah Gill