Students in the Welding Program at Danville Community College recently demonstrated their technical skills and craftsmanship during an advanced fabrication competition designed to test precision, welding quality, and blueprint interpretation.
As part of the project, second-year welding students were tasked with constructing a specialized four-chamber metal box using detailed blueprints that included exact measurements, fit-up requirements, and welding specifications. Students utilized the program’s CAD plasma cutting table to fabricate their components before assembling and welding the final project according to blueprint standards.
Projects were evaluated on weld quality, fit-up accuracy, and the ability to withstand pressure testing without leaks.
The competition was judged by Greg McQuad, regional representative for Lincoln Electric.
Winners:
First Place — Isabella Evans
Second Place — Karagan Saunders
Third Place — Joshua Drew
“These types of hands-on projects are essential for preparing students for real-world careers in welding and fabrication,” said Chad Secret, Welding Instructor at DCC. “The students were challenged to apply blueprint reading, precision fabrication, welding technique, and quality control standards all within one project. I’m extremely proud of the work they produced.”
“Watching these students take a project from blueprint to finished product is incredibly rewarding,” said Matthew Wayman, Welding Instructor at DCC. “This competition challenged them to think critically, work precisely, and uphold the quality standards expected in the welding industry. The level of skill and dedication they demonstrated speaks volumes about their hard work and future potential in the trades.”
Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education at Danville Community College, said the competition reflects the college’s commitment to workforce readiness and industry-aligned training.
“Our welding students continue to impress us with their dedication, technical ability, and professionalism,” said Melissa Mann. “Experiences like this give students the opportunity to demonstrate the same skills and standards expected by employers in the workforce.”
Dr. DeAndre Howard, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services, emphasized the value of experiential learning opportunities.
“At DCC, we believe students learn best by doing,” said Dr. Howard. “Projects like this allow students to strengthen critical technical skills while also building confidence, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail that will serve them throughout their careers.”
Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of Danville Community College, praised both the students and faculty for their commitment to excellence.
“This competition highlights the exceptional talent within our Welding Program and the high-quality instruction our students receive,” said Dr. Johnson. “DCC remains committed to providing hands-on workforce training that prepares students for successful careers in high-demand industries throughout our region and beyond.”
The Welding Program at Danville Community College provides students with hands-on training in welding, fabrication, blueprint reading, and industrial safety, preparing graduates for careers in manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades industries.
For more information, visit www.danville.edu.
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