Inmates in a Western Kentucky prison are thriving in a welding program that is preparing them for careers and helping them rebuild their lives by literally building things such as awnings and brackets for panels. The Fulton County Detention Center launched the Sparks Welding program and began transporting inmates to Four Rivers Career Academy, providing expert instruction and AWS certification for welders.
Western Kentucky has many opportunities in the welding industry, but most importantly, the program is offering inmates a chance to work together and to begin building a successful foundation. Inmates have also noted that they have enjoyed helping each other learn while working on projects.
Welding Industry
Robotic Welding Improves Company’s Productivity
“Available in two models, the AutoFlagger 76-X with stop sign and the AutoFlagger 54 with traffic signal, the devices had been fabricated with manual welding. ‘We looked at robotic welding at a FABTECH trade show as a way to increase our production of the AutoFlaggers as well as the substructures of the trailer decks that supported them.’”
Welding Company Demonstrates Innovative Technology
“KUKA, a global supplier of intelligent automation solutions, will demonstrate its educational printing, milling and welding cells at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 in San Antonio, Texas from November 28 – December 1. ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2018 provides educators, industry representatives and business leaders with professional development and networking opportunities in career and technical education.”
Welding Jobs
California Welding Company Adds More Jobs
“Specialty Welding and Turnarounds LLC, a Gonzales company that provides welding and other services to refinery, petrochemical and industrial customers, has opened an office in Signal Hill, California, with expectations of doubling its business on the West Coast in 2019.”
Welding Programs and Welding Education
Welding Students Collect Phones to Raise Funds for Soldiers
“Helena High School’s welding club is holding its annual used cell phone drive with the hope of helping servicemen and servicewomen stay in contact with their loved ones. The cell phone drive has taken place for the past eight years.
Around the holidays, the welding club asks for donations of used, unwanted cell phones you might have floating around in your junk drawer.”
Victoria College Welding Rodeo Hosts High School Students
“…Two Calhoun High School seniors teamed with senior Ignacio Fortanel and junior Creighton Orsonia to capture the event’s title for a second straight year.
Five high schools were represented in the six-team competition that began at 9 a.m. and concluded at 2 p.m. The Bloomington team of Hector Cabrera, Jose Perez, Erik Hernandez and Alex Arredondo finished second, and the Victoria East team of Johnathan Gonzales, Uriel Meretz, Devin Gonzalez and Nathan Parson finished third. Prizes for the top three teams were donated by Airgas.”
Welding Events
Plastics Conference
Apr 30, 2019
AWS developed this conference featuring the latest advances in manufacturing, fabrication, installation and examination related to thermoplastics welding and joining.
FABTECH Mexico
May 7, 2019 – May 9, 2019
Join tens of thousands of industry professionals May 7-9, 2019 at FABTECH Mexico! The event takes place at the Cintermex in Monterrey, continuing to co-locate with the established AWS Weldmex and Metalform Mexico.
Welding Supplies on Sale
Get the best prices of the year at Baker’s Gas and Welding on Miller Electric, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, and Hypertherm products, from welders to helmets to cutting setups. The latest Miller Build with Blue Promotion runs through the end of the year and offers up to $600 in savings, which you can add to if you take advantage of the Baker’s Bucks offers as well.