Victoria’s top welders descended on Chisholm in Frankston this month for the second annual WTIA Welding Triathlon.

The event was run by the Welding Technology Institute of Australia for members and non-members of the WTIA in Victoria, with the 12 competitors ranging in experience from welding apprentices (Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication) to welders and welding instructors.  Jesse Smolenaars was crowned best welder in Victoria and was awarded a special prize from Kemppi Australia. Cameron Runacres was second, Ben Hoareau third and Jake Adie fourth.

Competitors demonstrated exceptional welding skills across three timed events - a horizontal fillet using the gas tungsten arc process on aluminium; a single “V” vertical butt weld 10mm plate using flux core arc welding; and a pipe inclined on a 45-degree angle with a GTAW root weld capped by hydrogen controlled arc electrodes.

Event organiser and Chisholm teacher Rodney Bentvelzen said: “The event promotes welding as an attractive career choice, allowing participants to network with inspectors, fellow welders and industry leaders, and for the general public to check out our training facility here at Chisholm.”

Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s welding triathlon can call Rodney on 9238 8233 or Robert Vernon on 0487 400 002. For information on Chisholm’s 400 courses, visit chisholm.edu.au