NOVA hosted its first district SkillsUSA Welding competition on Friday, March 7, at the Manassas Campus. Sponsored by NOVA and Arc3 Gases, the event brought together 19 students to demonstrate their welding skills in a series of hands-on challenges.
SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to workforce development through technical education, hosts annual competitions where students showcase their expertise in various trade skills. The welding competition tests participants on cutting and welding metal components based on precise blueprints and design specifications. Judges evaluate students on precision, safety practices, and overall work quality.
18 high school students from 6 schools, along with one post-secondary student from Page County Technical Center, competed in this year’s event. District X high schools included the Academies of Loudoun, Rappahannock County High School, Page County Technical Center, the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, and Blue Ridge Technical Center. Bryant High School from District V also participated.
Students cited several key reasons for participating in SkillsUSA, including:
- Enhancing their welding skills
- Gaining hands-on experience for their résumés
- Competing against peers
- Connecting with industry professionals and potential employers
Elzer “Jeb” Hall of Page County Technical Center took first place, while Jake Snodgrass of Blue Ridge Technical Center secured second place. Both will advance to the 2025 SkillsUSA Virginia State Championships Welding Fabrication Competition on April 5 in Roanoke, Virginia.
Raymond Burton Ed.D., Dean of Math, Science, Technologies & Business, said:
"A huge thank you to Professor Santiago Rivera, Welding Program Head, and Mary Ratcliff, Fab Lab Coordinator, for their invaluable support in hosting the SkillsUSA Welding competition on March 6th at NOVA’s Manassas Campus. Their dedication and expertise helped create an incredible learning experience for participating students, offering them the opportunity to showcase their welding skills, problem-solving abilities, and precision under competition conditions.
The event not only reinforced essential welding techniques but also introduced students to the professional standards and expectations of the industry. By participating in SkillsUSA, students gained hands-on experience that will benefit them in their careers, while also building confidence and teamwork.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the prospect of establishing our own SkillsUSA welding team at the Manassas Campus. With the enthusiasm and talent demonstrated at this event—and the continued support of Professor Rivera and Ms. Ratcliff—we anticipate a strong presence in future competitions.
Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you again to our outstanding faculty and staff for making this event a success!"