Page 4 - HIWT Spring 2011 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

THE JOY OF WELDING

By Janet Piechocki
Admissions Representative
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

Todd Smith was happy
to work at the stone
quarry near his parents’
house after graduating
high school but Todd’s
parents had higher
aspirations for their
son. After two years
at the stone quarry,
with little opportunity
to advance, Todd’s
parents suggested that Sculpture created by Todd Smith’s students at Tri Star
he go back to school Career Compact for Coldwater High School (Ohio).
and pick up a skill.
His uncle pushed him
towards welding and
suggested that he go
to Hobart Institute of
Welding Technology.
Todd’s mother had
some reservations about Hobart and quizzed his uncle about
how good the school actually was.

Todd’s uncle replied, “It’s the best welding school in the
world!”

In the spring of 1973, Todd graduated from Hobart. Ray
Dunlavy was the president of the school at the time. Todd took
his first job at New Idea Farm Equipment in Coldwater, Ohio
and worked there for 12 years. Todd also did maintenance and
repair on excavating equipment for a couple years and did a
small stint with Strick Corporation in Monroe, Indiana, before
beginning his career as a teacher at Tri-Star Career Compact
in St. Marys in 1986. Todd attended the University of Toledo
to receive his teaching certification. He also came back to
Hobart in 1993 to take the Preparation for the AWS Certified One of the angels created by Todd Smith’s students at
Welding Inspector/Educator Course, which he passed. Tri Star Career Compact for the Cancer Association.

One of the unique things that Todd does with his students The last person on the line gives the angel a polyurethane
is to create a production line scenario to teach his students clearcoat. Students are given two weeks to complete the
the importance of quality, consistency, and pace. The seniors task. The finished angels are then donated to the cancer
have a time frame for manufacturing 150 angel “products.” A association.
foreman is chosen by the senior students and then everyone
is assigned a place on the production line. The foreman keeps Currently, Todd has a great class at Tri-Star. His students are
the departments running smoothly and reassigns workers if highly motivated and eager to excel in the field of welding.
one department gets behind. Line positions consist of layout, The mutual respect that Todd shares with his students makes
plasma cutting, welding, grinding, sanding and finishing. teaching and learning a joy for all involved.

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