CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The 'Día de los Muertos' Welding Competition is the DMC Welding Applied Technology Program’s way to showcase area high school and college students’ and professional welders’ skills while calling attention to the field as a very viable career path in the Coastal Bend. This year marks the second year for the program to hold the competition.
Richard Lugo is a welding instructor for Del Mar College. He said he's proud that the institution has 700 students currently enrolled in its welding program.
"It makes me feel great," Lugo said. "Because we know living in this area there's plenty of jobs that students won't have to worry about having to look for a job. Not only that, they can travel and make some money."
Competition registration is currently underway through the Friday, October 27 deadline for student and professional welders. Student welders include dual credit high school students, area college students, Craft Training Center students and everyone now in training to become future welders.
Marisa Cortez is a Ray High School dual credit Del Mar student. She has a special connection with the profession.
"I really like it," she said. "My dad works here, he's a welder. And my brother, he's also a welder and coming here, it's really nice."
Entry fees are as follows:
- $25 for Dual Credit high school and college students as well as Brother-in-Law competitors (two-person high school teams)
- $250 for welding professionals (minimum of 10 industry welders needed)
Competition begins with an 8 a.m. mandatory safety orientation and then runs until the 3 p.m. awards ceremony.
Last year, the event drew over 150 competitors with organizers awarding over $3,000 in scholarships, along with prize packages for all category winners.
Industry professionals will battle it out for a “winner takes all” cash prize.
Another aspect of November 3's welding activities is the customization of vehicles, which will be on display in a car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Car aficionados who want to show off their hot rods to the public are welcome to contact Richard Lugo at rlugo1@delmar.edu to sign up.
The public is also welcome to observe the competition, and attendees can also visit with several DMC program faculty to explore several career training options.
Industry vendors will have booths set up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for competitors and spectators alike.
Sponsorship levels: Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500) or a one-time donation of your choice with funds supporting welding scholarships among student winners.
- Vendors can contact Samuel Garcia at sgarcia171@delmar.edu or 361-698-1898
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