Butler Tech welders recently qualified and competed as the top two teams out of 26 in the Skills USA – 2021 Ohio State Welding Fabrication Competition. This year, due to COVID-19, the competition was virtual and required three students per group to use their welding and fabrication skills to build a designed project from given material that was shipped to the D. Russel Lee campus. The competition itself was filmed live and reviewed by the judges and then their completed project was shipped back to Skills USA for final judging.
The six Butler Tech students were evaluated based on their preparation for employment as well as excellence and professionalism in the field of welding. All competitors additionally submitted a one-page hard copy résumé of their skills and experience.
“The biggest challenge in regard to the State Welding Competition being held virtually this year was it took a lot of people with various skillsets to orchestrate this event,” shared Shane McKinney, Butler Tech Welding Instructor. “Normally we show up at the convention center in Columbus, Ohio, the kids get off the bus and go to their contest sites and compete. I have a newfound appreciation for all the folks who plan and run the Skills USA State Competitions!”
The students and McKinney are anxiously awaiting results which will be shared virtually via a live stream of the Skills USA Ohio State Championships Awards Ceremony on April 30.
2021 Ohio Southwest Regional Gold Medal Team
Austin Fuller, Caiden Young & Henry Summe
Austin and Caiden are both from Fairfield High School and are currently employed by the General Tool Company. They both plan to continue working at General Tool after graduation and take advantage of their 100% college tuition reimbursement program.
Henry is a Ross High School student and is also an employee of General Tool Company. After graduation, he plans to continue his work at the company and work on his family’s dairy farm.
2021 Ohio Southwest Regional Silver Medal Team
Eleanor Hester, Oliver Hall & Logan Tindal
Eleanor Hester is a student of Lakota East High School and currently works for Hydratech Engineered Products. After high school, Eleanor plans to attend Kent State University and study Metallurgical Engineering.
Oliver Hall is from Middletown High School and is employed by Dynamat Inc. After high school Oliver plans to attend Sinclair College and earn an associate degree in the Honda Automotive Technician Program.
Logan Tindal is also from Middletown High School and works at Lowes Home Improvement. Following graduation, Logan plans to enter the workforce fill time.
