Page 6 - HIWT Summer 2015 World of Welding
P. 6





            Putting Students To The Test Prepares Them To Face The Future With Confdence


            By Neil Mansfeld                                   as always fresh... continually evolving as domestic and world
                                                               circumstances change.
            Each year, Neil Mansfelds senior class at Assabet Regional
            Technical High School has an opportunity to complete various   Bob also offered this observation, When Mr. Fay Butler, with
            projects to present to a panel of professionals for judging.  The   his subtle style, asked the same basic metallurgical questions
            activity always provides a learning experience for the students and   to all presenters regarding temperature and alloy, most students
            an opportunity for business owners within the area to interact with   struggled.
            the students and with their counterparts.
                                                               Therefore, I would suggest more student exposure to basic
            This is the third time Ive been involved in the judging of senior   metallurgy going forward.
            projects at Assabet and once again it has been an uplifting
            experience and one that showcases the dedication of staff and
            students to Assabets mission, said Fred Mikkelsen, Editor &
            Director of the New England Blacksmiths.  The fve young people,
            whose projects I judged, showcased varying levels of profciency but
            they all exhibited a level of maturity and skill that sets them apart
            from the average graduating high school student.

            As a judge, through the student presentations, I got to experience
            the essence, effort and end result of the Assabet Metal Fabrication
            Department program, commented Bob Caras of Ledgerock Welding
            and Fabricating.  The curriculum you and your associates have
            developed, along with mandated requirements, is rich in content,
            exposure and favor for many metalworking career opportunities.
            The different disciplines emphasized and experienced give the
            students many choices upon graduation.  I see the program



                                                               Seniors are dressed up and ready to present.

                                                               Metallurgy is one of the topics covered in the Hobart Institutes
                                                               Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Training Materials Program that Neil
                                                               Mansfeld utilizes with his classes and is offered as a stand-alone
                                                               DVD for training for those wishing to incorporate it into their
                                                               programs.

                                                               Several of these young people were actively involved in the public
                                                               service project jointly done with the New England Blacksmiths for
            Skills USA Metal Fab Students                      the New Hampshire Association for the Blind at Concord, stated
                                                               Fred.  We, at the NEB, are grateful for the chance to work along
                                                               side these fne young people on projects like this. We all learn from
                                                               this type of collaboration.  The young and the old develop a mutual
                                                               respect and genuine admiration that is bound to beneft the future.

                                                               Both our students and teachers alike have benefted from this
                                                               set of judges who bring such a solid range of talents, thoughts,
                                                               expertise, skills, and passion to our welding program, said Neil
                                                               Mansfeld.

                                                               Fred Mikkelsen offered comments and advice to the students, You
                                                               each did well but only you can judge whether you did your very
                                                               best or just enough to get by.  Being truthful to yourselves and
                                                               your abilities marks the difference between mediocrity and the
                                                               satisfaction of knowing youve done your very best. I trust the future
            Seniors giving the thumbs up with their  instructor Neil Mansfeld.  holds challenges you will face head on and with confdence.


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