Page 17 - HIWT Spring 2011 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

FIRE AND SPARKS CAUGHT HIS EYE

By Neil Mansfi eld

It was the welding torch that really got Harrison’s attention
when he arrived at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High
School’s Metal Fabrication/Welding Program. Like many
other freshmen students from across the country, Harry was
exploring one shop program after another, not finding what
really sparked his interest, until he reached the welding shop.
That first glance of an upper classman using a welder’s torch,
with fire, sparks, and the ability to create something out of
iron caught his eye. This was just what Harry was looking
for! Harrison’s search was over. He found his home-away-
from-home. For the next four years, he spent as much time as
he could in the metal shop… welding, bending, and forging…
just plain having fun from day-to-day.

Harrison is one of those kids that have a great sense of humor.
He is always smiling, always reaching out to shake your hand
and ask about your day. He is an excellent problem-solver,
an outstanding welder, a fine athlete, and a role model for Harrison Bouchard and Neil Mansfield with their creative projects.
younger teenagers. He has already realized the importance of
being a life-long learner in his chosen trade of welding.

It’s the science in metals that really creates interest in Harry’s
mind. There isn’t a day that goes by in the shop that Harry
isn’t asking questions about welding science, metallurgy,
and experimenting with metals and their reaction to bending,
welding, and forming. Harry is well-grounded in the science of
welding. With his knowledge, he will be able to think his way
through and solve many problems that a welder encounters in
their career.

Harry has taken additional metallurgy classes from Mr. Fay
Butler in a metal shaping, welding, and blade-making seminar
at the New England School of Metalwork and he always has
his head buried in a metalworking book, related internet web
sites, and conducting hands-on experiments with his teachers.

However, since Harrison was not scheduled into our shop this
year, he maintained excellent academic grades which made
him eligible for co-op. At Assabet, that is a school-to-work
program. Every other week, Harrison works 40 hours in a
welding shop while the other week he spends in his academic
classes. Harrison landed a well-paying job in a local welding
and fabricating business that makes testing equipment for
pressure cylinders. It is no surprise that his employer is
pleased with Harrison’s work ethic, as well as his problem-
solving and welding skills and his friendly personality.

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