Members of the Northview FFA Chapter recently competed in the Indiana FFA Welding Career Development Event (CDE) at both the district and state level.

Hayden Slater and T.J. Weaver competed in the Advanced Division of the Welding CDE. Both are seniors at Northview High School and have been active members of the Northview FFA Chapter throughout their high school careers.

The team won first place at the FFA District 7 Welding Contest where they competed against several teams from local FFA chapters. This qualified them for the state contest that was held at the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis on Jan. 28. The team placed second overall at the Indiana FFA Welding CDE with Slater winning first place in the state. and Weaver placing 24th overall.

The welding CDE consists of a written exam and a hands-on portion that tests their ability to follow appropriate safety measures and use current welding equipment and techniques.

It is a great opportunity for students to exhibit their skills and prepares them for potential opportunities in a career field with a high demand for skilled labor, Northview FFA Advisor Ben Wegner said.

“Hayden and TJ take great pride in their welding skills, which shows through their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and teamwork,” Wegner said. “It is important that organizations, like Indiana FFA Association, provide opportunities for students to demonstrate those skills and gain experience that will prepare them for careers after high school.”

The Indiana FFA Association consists of more than 11,600 members through 211 local chapters.

To learn more about Northview FFA and others around the state, visit www.inffa.org. Further information can also be found at www.in.gov/isda/divisions/ffa.