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Olney Central College dual-credit student Weston Miller finished the fall semester having earned every plate certification the Welding Program offers.
“While most dual-credit students leave with some qualifications, Weston is the first to leave with them all,” said Instructor Maverick Fisher. “He has put in significant extra time outside of class to make this happen.”
Now a senior at Clay City High School, Miller was preparing for the second semester of his junior year, when his guidance counselor suggested he enroll in dual-credit welding courses at OCC.
“I had never really welded, maybe just one or two times before the class,” Miller said. “But, I signed up and got in. Within two weeks, I was welding in the booth. I was really unsure when I started, but Maverick worked with me and showed me what to do. I knew I wanted to take this seriously.
“Honestly, this is the best class I’ve ever taken, and Maverick is the best teacher I’ve had in my life,” Miller added. “I have enjoyed working with him so much. He is always positive and always happy to show you what to do. He is good at explaining things, so they make sense, and you understand. These classes have given me life skills I’m going to use. It’s been a great experience and I’ve learned so much.”
Toward the end of his first semester, Miller was invited to participate in the annual Brandon Blackford Memorial Welding Competition, which is hosted by the OCC Welding Program. He completed his first plate test the day of the event. The only junior in the competition, Miller finished in fourth place.
“I just wanted to keep going after that,” he said. “It just clicked with me, if I can win fourth place against seniors, who have been welding a lot longer than me, I wonder what I can do if I get really good. It pushed me to do better. I started working really hard after that and it paid off.”
Miller worked closely with Fisher to meet his goal, earning eight of the nine certifications during the fall semester.
“We hit it hard after the first one,” Miller said. “I’d practice a couple of days and then take the test. I was taking a plate test every other week.”
Miller wants to pursue a career in the welding field and has even started his own small welding business. He plans to continue his studies at OCC and complete an associate degree in welding. Miller also hopes to become a Certified Welding Inspector.
Miller encourages other high school students to enroll in OCC’s dual-credit welding classes.
“I think everyone should try this class,” he said. “You won’t regret it and you will learn so much. Welding is a high-demand trade, and you will never be without a job.”
