The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — The Welding Program at the Jackson River Technical Center (JRTC) continues to demonstrate its strength in preparing students for skilled careers. Over the past two decades, JRTC welding students have regularly placed in the top 10 nationally at the SkillsUSA Championships, showing the program’s consistent quality.
JRTC’s welding program has earned a reputation for excellence, with multiple individuals within the SkillsUSA Virginia network stating that JRTC is the only welding program in Virginia to ever produce a Gold Medalist National Champion in Welding (2019) and/or Welding Fabrication (2014) since the program’s inception. Notably, on the high school level, JRTC is believed to be the only welding program in Virginia to capture a national
championship.
This June, former JRTC student Davin May added to that record of success by representing Virginia at the National SkillsUSA Welding Competition in Atlanta, Ga. May finished 9th in the nation, competing against the top high school welders from across the United States.
A former welding student at JRTC, May was named the Outstanding Senior in the JRTC welding program in 2005, an honor that reflects not only his success as a student but also his leadership and perseverance. In addition, he reached an impressive academic milestone, earning a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) from Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) before graduating from high school. These accomplishments highlight both
his commitment and the value of career and technical education opportunities available to local students through Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.
The SkillsUSA Championships is the country’s largest workforce development event, with over 6,800 competitors in 114 hands-on contests. Each of the 50 welding contestants earned a gold medal at the state level before advancing to nationals.
May’s path began at the district level in Giles County and continued with a win at the Virginia State Welding Competition in Roanoke. To prepare for nationals, he completed more than 200 hours of additional training after graduation. The competition included written exams and hands-on welding in MIG, TIG Aluminum, Stick, and FCAW, along with Oxy-Fuel and Plasma cutting under timed conditions and strict procedures.
During this time, both May and his JRTC instructor, Jamie Huffman, stayed focused on preparing for each level of competition.
“Both Mr. Huffman and Davin were committed to preparing for all levels of competition through the second semester and into the summer. I am very proud of them and their efforts in keeping JRTC on the map of champions,” said JRTC Principal Josh Craft.
Several former JRTC welding students, including Layne Harmon, Cole Murray, Austin McCallister, Seth Brown, Matt Canterbury, Hannah Wolfe, and Ryan Whiting, have earned national top-10 finishes in past years.
This year, Williams Fabrication provided key support by donating materials, design expertise, and labor hours to help May prepare. JRTC’s partnership with Williams Fabrication and other companies provides vital backing to the welding program and other career training programs.
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