Stories @ TCAT

Caleb Harris, recent Tennessee College of Applied Technology–Oneida/Huntsville graduate, WINS the GOLD in the Welding Sculpture competition at the National SkillsUSA Championship Post-Secondary competitions held June 25 – June 28 in Louisville, Kentucky. TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville President Dwight Murphy states, “Congratulations to Caleb for his wonderful accomplishment receiving the top SkillsUSA national title. I am proud of Caleb for his dedication and desire to advance and perfect his welding skills. Job well done!” Caleb remarked, “I had a GREAT time at SkillsUSA National Conference! Unfortunately, this was my last year as a competitor, but it surely paid off. Finally walked away with a national championship for TCAT Oneida/Huntsville. SkillsUSA has always been a blast, and I would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to TCAT, York Institute, and everyone else that has helped & encouraged me along the way. Dreams do come true; you just gotta have the love and dedication to carry on.” Caleb’s same sculpture previously received the first-ever Tennessee Governor’s Choice Award presented by Governor Bill Lee. Accompanying Caleb to the conference was his welding instructor Chris Chambers and the TCAT-Oneida/Huntsville SkillsUSA advisor Janet Watson. At the award banquet on Friday night, Caleb was presented his gold metal award along with $4500 worth of equipment--Lincoln 140 mig, Miller 180 Inversion stick/tig, Hypertherm 45 plasma cutter, Pferd grinder with grinding kit.

The SkillsUSA Championship competitions are for college-level students and secondary students who compete in technical, skilled, and service occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. Workforce development; it’s what we do!

Picture captions:

1. Fourth from the left and center stage is Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Oneida/Huntsville recent graduate Caleb Harris receiving the gold award for his Welding Sculpture at the National SkillsUSA Championship Post-Secondary competitions.