Big weld-done for Jack

A welding wonder from Middlesbrough College showed his mettle in a regional skills competition.

Jack Moran, 18, was described as head and shoulders above other competitors at the Inter College Welding Competition – taking home the top prize with a clear 20-point lead.

The Level 2 Welding student, from Middlesbrough, excelled in the challenging competition held at Hartlepool College, which saw students prepare two pieces to a strict brief. 

Jack, who is now hoping to compete against other welders from across the country in the national Inter College competition, has already attracted attention from local employers impressed by his talent.

He said: “I’m very excited for what’s next.

“The competition was a really good day, I got a lot out of it. Practicing your skills under the pressure of time and judging is challenging but it means you really have to focus and do your best work.”

And Jack was joined in second place by fellow student, Curtis Marsh, who also impressed judges.

Jack added: “The facilities at Middlesbrough College also shone through on the day and I realised what an amazing environment we have here. I think that is why me and Curtis did so well.”

The competition required the pair to follow two briefs – one to produce an open corner weld using MMA welding and another to produce a vertical tee fillet using MIG welding. 
Manual Metal Arc welding (MMA) and Metal Inert Gas welding (MIG) are two forms of the discipline. MMA uses a coated electrode, or stick, to lay the weld. MIG uses a wire feed, held on a spool inside the welder.
Both test pieces are typical of work that takes place in fabrication workshops such as those for the oil and gas industry.
Middlesbrough College is accredited by The Welding Institute to deliver practical weld tests so trainees can get CSCS Gold Cards – a key certification for professional welders. 

Kevin Dunn, curriculum team leader welding and fabrication, has helped Jack and Curtis become future welding whizzes. 

He said: “I am very proud, it’s the second year running that Middlesbrough College has won the competition.  

“All of our students and staff are very committed and the results shine through.”