OCC Student Earns First Place in Prestigious Welding Competition

Olney Central College student Jacob Kimbro, of Flora, captured first place in the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center Welding Competition — becoming the first OCC student to earn top honors in the Nix Industrial-sponsored event.

“Being in the competition was a really good experience,” Kimbro said. “I feel great about winning — it was definitely a surprise. I didn’t think I was going to take first place, but it felt good. I was proud to represent OCC, the Welding Program and Instructor Maverick Fisher.”

During the competition, participants were challenged to complete plate tests and stick welds within a 45-minute time limit. Their work was evaluated by Certified Welding Inspectors, with Kimbro competing against approximately 30 to 40 other welders.

What makes his win even more impressive is that the OCC freshman was required to use a 6013 rod, which he’d never worked with before.

 “I am so proud of Jacob, and all the boys that went down there to give it a go,” Fisher said. “From my understanding, the contest used 6013 rods. My guys have never even seen a 6013 rod. To me, that speaks to the resourcefulness and critical thinking skills Jacob has picked up in his time here at OCC.”

Kimbro added, “It was a fun experience, and I don’t think it would have been possible without Maverick. He really helped us learn, and I’m very thankful for that.”

Fisher said the competition gives students an opportunity to test their skills. 

“The biggest benefit of these competitions, in my opinion, is being put in a high-pressure situation, in a strange place, with a strange welding machine,” he said. “This is exactly how most of your hire-in tests go once the students are in the field.”

Kimbro discovered his passion for welding in high school.

“I’ve always liked working with my hands,” he said. “I took a welding class and then construction, and I just liked welding a lot more. Since starting here, I’ve really gotten into it.”

After graduation, Kimbro plans to join the boilermakers’ union and continue advancing in the field.