Annual IVCC welding competition invites high school, college welders

Young welders will compete for prizes on Friday, April 17, during the annual Welding Competition presented by Illinois Valley Community College and the American Welding Society.

High school and college students will compete in separate divisions, showcasing their skills, learning about the industry, and networking with representatives from local companies and IVCC instructors. The competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in IVCC’s East Campus, Building J. Welders will complete a hands-on project, which for high school competitors is accompanied by a written quiz. Awards, including scholarships, cash prizes, and welding gear, will be given to top winners in all divisions and processes.

• Registration for high school students will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the competition in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) at 9 a.m. The awards ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m.
• College welders can compete in SMAW or gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Registration for SMAW begins at 11 a.m., followed by the competition at 11:30 a.m., and the awards ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
• Registration for college GMAW competitors will begin at noon, followed by the competition at 1 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required by April 10 and competitors may register for only one competition. Seats in each classification are limited. To register, visit www.ivcc.edu/enroll. Use the class ID 27933 for High School SMAW; 27932 for College SMAW and 27931 for College GMAW. The cost of each division is $20.

For more information, visit https://www.ivcc.edu/programsbyareaofstudy/welding/index.php or call Continuing Education at 815-224-0427.

The event is sponsored by local employers HCC, Inc.; Vactor; Carus; Constellation; On Site Repair Services Inc.; Ajinomoto Foods, and Valley Fabrication Inc.​​.