Kelso High School is hosting the regional SkillsUSA Welding competition on Wednesday, January 29, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Thirty students from nine high schools in SW Washington will compete for a chance to move on to the state welding competition. Welding contestants will participate in a variety of timed activities designed to test their skills. Competition activities include a written test, measuring gauges, oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting processes, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding.
Industry experts will judge the competition and hand out medals for state-bound winners. Field reps will also be onsite to meet with student competitors during wait times. This is an opportunity for students to hear firsthand about future employment opportunities in the skilled and technical welding industry.
Last year’s 1st place winner, Carter Huff (Kelso High) graduated and is actively employed in the trades. Huff was recruited by JH Kelly after the competition and is currently in their welding apprenticeship program working in Vancouver, WA.
“Having the option to take welding or other CTE classes in high school gives students the ability to learn a skill and gain experience they can turn into a successful career,” said Huff. “It's an amazing opportunity I am very thankful for. I hope other students take advantage of this program and all it can offer.”
The 2024 2nd place winner, Tucker Salisbury, is currently a senior at Kelso High and will return to compete this year. Steven Jacka (3rd place, Cascadia Tech) is an aircraft maintainer with welding as part of his job at FlyIt Academy in Camas, WA.
Regional SkillsUSA Welding Competition
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Kelso High School Welding Area
Competition: 3:00 – 5:30 pm, Awards 6:00 – 6:30 pm
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Battle Ground
Centralia
Evergreen
Fort Vancouver
Ilwaco
Kelso
Napavine
Prairie
Ridgefield
Washougal
EVENT SPONSORS
Air Gas
Central Welding
United Association Local 26
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education. The CTE program offers approximately 80 on-site courses and 7 off-campus courses in partnership with industry leaders. Students can earn dual credit in 21 CTE courses. In the area of welding, the district offers the opportunity to earn five welding certifications. Kelso School District’s mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.