Holland College welding student Charles Richards competed in the 10th annual Canadian Welding Association's Weld-Off in Stellarton, Nova Scotia recently, bringing home first place honours.

Weld-Off is a competition for welding students in the Atlantic Provinces. A short multiple-choice examination tests the competitors’ knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety, Oxyacetylene cutting, blueprint reading, and of various arc welding processes.  Students then applied their practical skills in a rigorous welding project. Projects were judged on both the safe use of equipment and the quality of the finished product.

The popularity of the Weld-Off has been growing over the past decade, and with 14 prizes totaling more than $20,000, has become a college favourite with students across the Maritimes. This year, 14 students from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. competed. 

Instructor Craig Boudreau said the victory was especially sweet, because it’s been a long time coming.

“Our students have competed in this competition since its inception and have frequently placed second, so to have Charles break that streak with a first place win was very exciting,” he said.

In this picture: (L-R) Holland College Welding instructor Kent Morrison, Charles Richards, winner of this year's Weld-Off, and instructors Craig Boudreau and Chris Delderfield celebrate at the recent Canadian Welding Association's annual Weld Off.