Page 4 - Hobart Institute Fall 2019 World of Welding

UA Apprenticeship Contest

By: Janet Piechocki
Every year the UA holds an apprenticeship contest bringing together
the best apprentices from the United States and Canada. During this
5-day event there are instructor courses going on as well. There were
5 categories of apprentices competing: Welding, HVAC, Plumbing,
Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitters. In the welding category, there were two
Hobart Institute graduates competing: Colton Houston and Patrick Harris.
Both were 2016 graduates.
Colton Houston, who is a member of UA local 10 Richmond, VA won
the welding portion of the annual UA apprenticeship contest held at
Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. It was a grueling
week long experience for all competitors involved in the contest, some
coming from as far as Australia. Business manager, Steve Martin and
business agent Josh Kees were there to support, as well as a few local 10
members.
Colton knew from the time he was in high school and saw pipe liners
welding out in the front of his house, that he wanted to be a part of it
all. He came to Hobart Institute of Welding Technology upon graduation
of high school and began his career 9 months later. He has learned much
along the way under the mentorship of Steve Martin and his dedication
to learning his trade. We wish Colton the best in his career and future
endeavors.

2019 FALL ISSUE - 4 - www.welding.org