Midwest Technical Institute sponsors welding competition

Area high schools to compete

[April 14, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- On April 20, Midwest Technical Institute will sponsor its sixth annual welding competition for high schools and vocational schools in the area. The competition is a great learning experience for all students involved and gives them a chance to see how their skills compare with those of other students in the area.

HIGH SCHOOL WELDING COMPETITION

Presented by
MIDWEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
2731 Farmers Market Road, Springfield

April 20, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

This year, the Springfield campus will split the competition into two divisions based on the skill level. Division A students will complete a project consisting of out-of-position welding using 6010 rod, MIG and TIG welding processes. Division B students will complete a simpler project consisting of out-of-position welding using 7018 rod and will take a written exam to demonstrate their knowledge of terminology and blueprint reading.

The top three from each division will receive cash prizes: first place, $500; second place, $250; and third place, $100. Top 10 winners will receive medals.

Welding starts promptly at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. Award presentations and pictures will start at noon.

Friends and family are more than welcome to attend the competition.

The following 21 schools are registered to attend the Midwest Technical Institute competition this year: Armstrong Township High School, Belleview HS, Capital Area Career Center (Springfield), Decatur Area Technical Academy, Edinburg HS, Gillespie HS, Hartsburg-Emden HS, Havana HS, Jacksonville HS, Lincoln Community HS, Maroa-Forsyth HS, Monticello HS, Mount Pulaski HS, Nokomis HS, North Greene HS, Pontiac HS, Rushville-Industry HS, Shelbyville HS, Southwestern HS (Piasa), Warsaw HS and Williamsville HS.

As an additional feature at this year's competition, MTI's Lincoln Electric Virtual Reality Arc Welding simulator will be open for competitors and spectators to try. The simulator produces real-time welding technique feedback similar to a video game.

MTI's mission for the competition is to encourage high school vocational students to continue to practice and educate themselves in the mechanical trade fields. Often vocational programs are overlooked by other school programs. It is MTI's hope that through the competition can show support for local vocational programs and highlight talented students for their hard work and skill.

[Text from file received from Midwest Technical Institute]