Green River High School welding-program students have been working hard at seeking basic welding certification in welding 2 and advanced welding.

This certification meets the in-house specifications for the guided bend weld test as set forth by the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 assessments, which differs slightly from the American Welding Society version of the test.

The students must weld two 3” x 6” x 3/8” coupons together with a V Groove (G) weld joint using no backing plate. They then grind them flat, cut out the predetermined flat straps and then bend those straps in a hydraulic press. One gets bent to the root side (bottom) and one to the face (top). There can be no cracking or deviations totaling more than 3/32” across both coupons in order to successfully complete the task. 

The students start out welding in the flat position and move through the progressively more difficult positions, including horizontal, vertical and overhead. This process is especially challenging and requires a great deal of skill. 

“These kids have worked very hard at completing this process. We are very proud of their effort and commitment,” GRHS welding instructor Tom Wilson, said. “Our kids have an amazing opportunity to gain some skills and for their future be it for employment or just for hobby.”

“These skills will follow them for a lifetime,” Wilson said. “Our volunteer instructor, Terry Nielson, is the key component to seeing these kids through this difficult task. Terry comes in every day to help the kids and his 42 years of experience in the field are a welcome resource for the overall program. He is amazing. All of the credit belongs to him.”

These students, along with several others are also working on their OSHA Safety Certification made possible through the Carl T Perkins Grant and assisted with funds from the Board of Cooperative Educational Services.