OCTC Students Sweep Nuckols Memorial Welding Competition

Erwin Perez and Isaac Bosley

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (11/22/2019) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) welding students competed in the 11th Annual David Nuckols Memorial Welding Competition on November 9 at Titan Contracting & Leasing in Owensboro, Kentucky. OCTC students earned both first place, Erwin Perez, and second place, Isaac Bosley awards in the individual competition, and OCTC was awarded first place in the school category.

The competition is open to students currently enrolled in secondary and postsecondary welding programs located in counties selected by Titan Contracting. Six schools competed in the event with spots allocated for two welders each: OCTC, Webster County Area Technology Center, Meade County College and Career Center, Southeastern Illinois College, Caldwell County Regional Career Center and Fleming County.

During a one-hour time limit, contestants set up their machines and perform welding tasks. In the hands-on welding portion, students are judged and scored on criteria such as lack of welding fusion, excessive reinforcement, and complete joint penetration.

The students also completed a 50-question written test, which covers general knowledge of welding processes and procedures. The written test scores are applied toward the overall school points totals and not the individual students.

The contest is named in memory of David Nuckols, a Titan employee from 1984 until his death in 2008. He was the corporate quality control manager for almost 20 years and served on OCTC's Welding Advisory Committee from 1995 to 2008. Nuckols had a passion for welding and for workforce development.

"We have an excellent hands-on welding program at OCTC," said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams, "Successful completion of the program provides students with the education and the skills needed to join the workforce."

For more information about OCTC's welding program, contact Program Coordinator Barry Bowlds at 270-686-4406 or barry.bowlds@kctcs.edu or Success Coach Ceary Thomas at ceary.thomas@kctcs.edu.