Last Wednesday the Tiger Tough Welding Competition was held in the SWAT (Servicing Welders Across Texas) building with students from 26 high schools from all over the state competing and earning welding certifications. Last week’s competition was the largest to date with some schools traveling from 225 miles away.
“These events allow the kids to achieve certification that belong to them. These certifications are pivotal when kids graduate high school and go directly into the work force. It helps them get their foot in the door with employers knowing that these kids at least possess the basic knowledge and skills to complete basic and some advanced welding tasks. Perry and Perry Builders has seen firsthand kids come out of this program and be in a position to come in above just an introductory welding position”, according to PPB General Manager Lin Perry.
This event also included a team building event. The competition consists of up to three person teams which are handed a stack of material and a blueprint to build something that is unique to this specific event. The students and teachers have 15 minutes together to read and plan the blueprint. After the 15 minutes is up the teacher is removed from the equation and the kids are on their own to complete the project.
After the competition teams are allowed to take their projects back to their districts to complete and or clean up any mistakes that were made. They then auction these items off, with the money earned it going back into welding programs at their schools.
“We would also like to give special thanks to Erick and Britina Pesak for pouring countless hours into these events. Please visit the website by searching Texas High School Welding Series and pay special attention to all the sponsors of this series. Without these sponsors these events would not be possible. Some of the Milam County businesses that support the series are Butler Weldments, SWAT, PPB and Rockdale Welding Supply,” Perry said.
Tiger tough
Welding students performing their tests at last Wednesday’s Tiger Tough Welding Competition.
In the bottom right photo County Judge Steve Young and the county commissioners declared Nov. 17 as Tiger Tough Welding Day. Pictured (L-R) Lin Perry with Perry and Perry Builders, Britina Pesak who is the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at Rockdale High School and was instrumental in getting the event put together, RISD Superintendent Denise Monzingo, RHS Principal Brent Hasselbach and Judge Steve Young.
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