Learn Today; Prepare for Tomorrow
However, on November 29th — three from LCCTC traveled down to Pittsburgh to “throw their ‘welding hoods’ in the ring” with about three dozen other welding students for the Project MFG Maritime Navy Welding Competition and Career Exploration at Pittsburgh Technical College.
The mission of this competition was to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the community and to provide employers the opportunity to engage with the next-generation workforce. Their goal was to complete their project within a 2-hour period of time under the watchful eye and supportive encouragement of the US Navy, Department of Defense, and other DOD civilian industries.
According to Project MFG, “By working together, major changes can happen for the next generation of skilled workers that can cause a positive ripple effect on economic development.”
It seems like that ripple has reached those studying to become the next generation of skilled workers right here at LCCTC. Senior Welding student, Joel Johnson (New Castle) states, “The competition was a really good experience, I learned blueprints and how they can be deceiving.”
Fellow welder, junior Dan Mayer-Tedrow (Ellwood) states, “From the competition, I learned how I really need to take my time, pay attention to the details, and relax. If I stress myself out during a tense situation, I could make mistakes.”
While time management is a soft skill important to any career, Mayer-Tedrow also sees value in the technical aspect of the competition. “I went in feeling pretty confident in what I knew, but after this experience, I realize that there is a lot more I can learn. I’m thankful that I have another year to prepare, and over the next year, I plan to do just that.” He continued, “I learned a lot today, but I also learned what I need to prepare for my future, and I can’t wait to learn more!”
Well done, gentlemen! To paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt, we’re proud that you have dared to step “into the arena” and to “spend yourselves in a worthy cause.”
