Springfield, MO. – Numerous Southwest Missouri area high school students received scholarships for their welding skills at the annual Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College Regional High School Welding Competition held Saturday, April 6, 2019.
The MTI and DTC Regional HS Welding Competition is an invite-only competition for motivated high school students who want to prove that they have what it takes to be a Journeyman Welder. All participants in the regional welding competition received a $500 MTI Scholarship and had the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in additional scholarships. Each participant completed a timed welding project that was judged before a panel of welding experts.
In the senior division, first place was awarded to Krew Schmitt of Nixa High School, who won a $10,000 MTI scholarship. Finishing in second place was Garrett Brooks of Nevada Regional Technical Center, who was awarded a $5,000 MTI scholarship. Howard Hart of Nevada Regional Technical Center finished in third place, winning a $2,500 MTI scholarship.
In the junior division, first place was awarded to Jackson Dinger of Franklin Technology Center who won a $2,000 MTI scholarship. James Finegan of Franklin Technology Center finished second in the junior division and was awarded a $1,000 MTI scholarship.
Director of High School Admissions, Louie Schonauer, described the atmosphere of this year’s Missouri region of the competition: “This year’s participants had a high level of dedication, passion and excitement not just for the competition, but for the practice of welding. Krew [first place of the senior division] won with a broken foot! It was not only the enthusiasm of the participants, but also the encouragement and celebration from the families that made this event impactful. The participants were competing for the chance at a scholarship that has the potential to change their lives through hands-on training. That’s what this is truly all about.”
Established in 2007, the competition offers high school students more than an opportunity to showcase their welding talents. Participants also had the opportunity to enroll in one of MTI’s Journeyman Welder Programs. Our welding programs provide skills and hands-on training geared to meet the tough demands of today’s employers. The objective is for our students to gain entry-level employment across the country in the manufacturing, construction and maintenance fields. The MTI certifications we issue our graduates maximize employability potential in the welding industry.
For interview requests and other media inquiries, contact Louie Schonauer at 309-566-9580