Jan 16, 2025
On Friday, Dec. 6, members of TVA’s Labor Supply team joined with our union partner, the Boilermakers, to sponsor a welding competition hosted by Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama.
More than 50 community college trade students from across the Valley region attended in hopes of winning prizes, such as welding helmets and protective gear, and making network connections to pave the way for the next step in their career.
“What you’re studying and the trade you’re mastering is essential to the electrification and growth of our region,” Director of Labor Supply Heather Montgomery told the students. “TVA and our union partners have a lot of work to do over the next decade, and we need your help to get it done.”
Students were given the opportunity to choose between three challenges to participate in:
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Tube (6G), which required students to bond two ends of a tube together.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (2G, 3G, 4G), a process that uses a continuous wire-fed electrode with an inner core.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding plate (2G, 3G, 4G), which is a common, but manual technique.
“We are looking for skilled and passionate people to help us build the energy system of the future,” Sr. Program Manager, Workforce Strategy Brittany Hanks explained to a group of students seeking insight into potential career paths. “Our service area is growing, and our daily lives require more energy than ever. We expect the electric system TVA has built over the past 91 years will have to be doubled by 2050 to meet this increase. That will require a lot of work from a lot of skilled tradespeople like you all.”
After lunch, the top three winners for each category were announced, with Calhoun Community College being recognized for having the most winners from their institution.
“We’ve received really positive feedback about the event,” said Sr. Program Manager, Workforce Strategy and Labor Supply Josh Kennedy. “I think events like this show students that TVA and our union partners are truly invested in their futures and gives them a glimpse at what a career in a skilled trade field could look like.”