Several Austin Community College (ACC) Welding Technology students are heading to nationals. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, six students from ACC’s welding program were invited to compete at the SkillsUSA state competition in April. Every student placed in their respective categories and two who won gold will go on to compete at the national competition this June in Atlanta, Georgia: 

Individual Competition
Gold – Joaquin De Los Sontos
Silver – Miguel Cardenas

Welded Sculpture Contest
Gold – Robert Feller

Team Fabrication Contest
Bronze – Shawn Cross, Dalton Waters, and Owen Garza

SkillsUSA is a partnership between students, teachers, and industry to work together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The national nonprofit organization develops personal, workforce, and technical skills grounded in academics to meet employer demands. 

ACC’s Welding Technology Program prepares students to work in a variety of settings through hands-on training at the Riverside and Round Rock campuses. Courses cover blueprint interpretation, layout and fabrication, plate and pipe welding, ultrasonic testing, and welding inspection. 

For more information about ACC’s Welding Technology Program, visit austincc.edu/welding.