Instructor Robert Melascaglia standing with TCHS Student John Smoker accepting welding competition first place award.
Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge student John Smoker has earned first place in the Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition, hosted by Philly Shipyard Inc. and Rhoads Industries in Philadelphia, PA. His exceptional welding skills and dedication to manufacturing trades have distinguished him as a top competitor, and he has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship to support his continued educational pursuits.
“It was a great day when my students John Smoker and Sam Oscar competed in the welding competition,” said TCHS Welding and Fabrication Instructor Robert Melascaglia. “Twenty-seven students from around 20 schools participated, with John taking first place. The competition was challenging, requiring precise specifications and technical skills.”
Melascaglia added, “John particularly impressed the judges. He’s an outstanding student – a team player who always helps others and maintains a positive attitude. His hard work paid off: he won $600 worth of welding supplies, including a new welding helmet and grinder, along with a $1,500 American Welding Society Welding Scholarship.”
This achievement aligns with the TCHS vision of fostering technical expertise and career-readiness in its students, contributing to a pipeline of skilled, capable individuals for the manufacturing industry. The Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition has served as an exceptional platform for students to demonstrate their potential and for communities to celebrate the value of Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Now in his senior year at Oxford Area High School, John is looking forward to a co-op opportunity at M. Davis & Sons, Inc. in Kennett Square, PA.
The TCHS welding program prepares students for high-paying careers in the welding industry. Graduates gain skills and certifications for roles like welding technicians or welder fabricators and can advance to specialized positions such as pipeliners or welding inspectors. The program also supports pathways to engineering careers, including welding engineer roles. Salaries in the industry range from $51,000 to $85,000, offering strong earning potential.
For more information about TCHS and to apply, please visit technicalcollegehighschool.org.
