Embracing the sound of hammering and grinding metal, sophomore Rex Weaver moves from tool to tool, mending and welding metal pieces together to match his blueprint’s design, fighting for a winning prize at his first welding competition.
The contest was held at Central City High School on Mar. 20th, and featured seven different sessions for welders to compete in.
In each session, three teams welded while another three teams completed a written exam, testing their welding knowledge. After 30 minutes, the teams switched places.
The blueprint, given to competitors when they began welding, illustrated a metalwork with a flat horizontal base and four vertical, triangular pieces with trimmed corners joined at the peak. Any incorrect dimensions, chipped or cracked appearances, or excessive welding could result in points being deducted.
“Pretty much every kid was busy, so there wasn’t a lot of talking in between or getting to see anybody…it was get in and get out,” Weaver said.
Students from across Nebraska attended the competition in hopes of sharpening their metalworking skills. For Weaver, this competition was also a chance for networking amongst nearby businesses.
“[I did the competition] mostly for exposure. I want to get different companies interested in what I’m doing and get my name out there,” Weaver said.
Weaver first began welding back in 2023, when he attended a summer camp at Western Iowa Tech Community College. However, according to Weaver’s mother, Donniebess Weaver, his passion for machines began much earlier.
“Rex has always been interested in machines. During Covid, he and his dad would buy old Power Wheels vehicles and fix them up, replace batteries, fix wheels, and modify the bodies of the vehicles. Sometimes this resulted in resale and sometimes it was a failure, but I’d say that’s where the passion for machines really began to take shape,” D. Weaver said.
Throughout high school, Weaver has taken welding classes such as Introduction to Metalworking and Welding 1, and he plans to take this passion beyond his high school years.
“I think it’s fascinating being able to melt two pieces of metal together. It’s also just kind of a quiet place, and it’s nice being by yourself just measuring stuff and welding,” Weaver said.
Weaver’s counselor, Andy Hahn, seeing his passion for welding and the trades, has aided Weaver in mapping out future opportunities, including dual-credit academies and even potential internships.
“[Weaver] presented joining the academies at Metro Community College to me…and when a student says they’re interested in these academies, you sit them down and start to plan out their junior and senior year,” Hahn said.
Hahn also helped Weaver obtain a summer job from Drake Williams Steele Company, allowing Weaver to spread his name and gain connections and experience. These metro academies, internships, and competitions all help welding students build their futures.
“Without a doubt, [I’d recommend these competitions to students] because students are probably going to practice and work to develop those skills, and it gives them a good idea of whether it’s a good career area for them to go into,” Hahn said.
By participating in the Central City competition, students like Weaver were able to practice their skills under a high-stakes setting. Through this, Weaver was able to get a taste of real-world welding and hopefully share his name.
“The competition will surely open some doors for future careers and networking. It’s a resume builder similar to any competition, be it a debate, participation in a school play, or being on the basketball team,” Donniebess Weaver said.
Completing the competition, Weaver placed 11th in stick welding and 9th in mig welding, outcompeting 37 of his peers on the metalworking floor. Beyond just a day’s work of welding, he gained an experience he’ll carry with him forever.
“I wish I had more time, we were only there for about an hour and a half…but I really like welding, so I enjoyed it,” Weaver said.
Even though the competition is over, it’s just the first of many. Weaver plans to attend more competitions and gain even more welding experience. Eventually, Weaver will be able to move up to compete at state, nationals, and even compete on the international level.
With each competition, Weaver not only improves at welding but shares his name with the world, helping him forge the future in welding he wants – a future where sparks fly.