Welding played a big role in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in San Diego, where welding students at San Diego Continuing Education fabricated a massive image of Martin Luther King Jr.. The float contained a massive die-cut steel sign that included an impression of King and “Let Freedom Ring.”
The students created the sign by punching over 6,000 holes in the sheet metal. The sign was mounted onto a float for the parade and rotated so that all viewers could see their work. Judges at the parade awarded the welding students with the first place prize for their work.
Welding Industry
Welding Automation Jobs on the Rise:
“The growing trend toward welding automation and the increase in demand from end-user industries are sparking growth in the global market for welding products. BCC Research reveals in its new report that the laser welding equipment and plasma welding equipment markets should expand significantly, boosting overall growth.”
Beloved Welder of 46 Years Retires
“Anyone familiar with local businesses knows Cowan’s Welding and Ornamental Shop on California Street is a fixture in Historic Uptown Yucaipa. For the past 46 years, before the city was even incorporated, Jim Cowan has been welding and fixing things for local schools, businesses and non-profits.
‘It’s a great town and I love what I do,’ said a smiling Cowan. ‘But I got sick and am going to take it easy.’ Saturday, Jan. 14, about 70 people stopped by to pay tribute to Cowan at his retirement party and barbecue”
Welding Education
Butte, MT High School Students Introduced to Welding
“Nearly 200 high school students headed to Butte College this week where they received training in the latest welding technology techniques.
While the semester hasn’t yet started at Butte, the college’s welding program invited 181 high school students and 46 instructors to the school for the 2017 Arc Exposure event. They participated in hands-on welding training, spoke with industry experts and visited local manufacturer Metal Works.”
Nebraska High School’s Welding Program Continues to Grow
“At Westside High School, the welding program is part of career and Tech Ed. sequence. Students in the class benefit from the relationship with Metro Community College. They are dual enrolled in both institutions, getting credits for both high school and college. It’s one of the largest programs in the state. 200 kids a semester go through the program.”
Students See Math Applied through Welding
“Welding has provided a bright future for many in the Coastal Bend, and the schools’ programs help prepare students for careers in the industry, said Ellery Francisco, one of the founders of the welding competition and chairman of the AWS Section 153.
‘The impact on the community is huge. Shop class used to be for the failing kids. That was just a place to push off kids who couldn’t make it in regular classes. But a lot of these kids are more geared for hands-on learning. So when they get in these classes, they see the math applied, and it makes it easier from a learning side,’ Francisco said.”
Sparks Fly at N.C. High School Welding Program
“Students in the welding class at Freedom High School now are learning so much more than just basic safety related to the skill. They are learning different cutting systems and different cutting maneuvers and fillers, as well as welding, brazing and soldering processes.”
Welding Jobs
Kentucky Community College Supplies Welders for Workforce
“Gateway Community and Technical College has six new welding certifications this semester, including programs for structural steel welding and pipeline welding, to get young people into these skilled positions. Interest in welding jobs faded in the late ’90s and early 2000s as young workers were driven toward more computer-focused technical jobs.”
Welding Events
FABTECH Mexico
May 2, 2017 – May 4, 2017
“Join tens of thousands of industry professionals May 2-4, 2017 at FABTECH Mexico! The event takes place at the Cintermex in Monterrey, continuing to co-locate with the established AWS Weldmex and Metalform Mexico. New for 2017 – FABTECH Mexico recently acquired COATech and will now feature Finishing among the shows technology lineup.”
2nd Codes and Standards Conference
Apr 19, 2017 – Apr 20, 2017
Each industry possesses individual operating conditions that may be unique or similar to other industries. Whether high, room or cryogenic temperatures, corrosive environments, high strength or conditions requiring material toughness are involved, appropriate codes and standards are applied.
Welding Gone Wrong
Welder in Pennsylvania Killed While Working in Factory
“Emergency crews responded to the scene of a fatal industrial accident in Bensalem, Bucks County on Monday. It happened in the 2500 block of State Road at Samuel Grossi and Sons, which fabricates structural steel. Bensalem Township police say a 57-year-old employee was working at a welding station when a large steel beam fell on him.”
