Troy, Libby students pass welding certification tests

Libby High School student Greysen Thompson performs a weld during certification testing in May. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)

Troy welding students, led by instructors Jeff Thill and John McClellan, each passed their certification test. (Photo courtesy Troy Public Schools)

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News | June 20, 2023 7:00 AM

More than a dozen students at Troy and Libby recently passed their college certified welding tests through a program offered by Flathead Valley Community College.

According to Troy Superintendent Jake Francom, all 10 students passed their test.

“Troy High School was the only school to get 100% passing rate all on the first try!” Francom said. “Only 65% of students at FVCC pass this test and Troy High School has 100%.”

The students, who were taught by Jeff Thill and John McClellan, included Hunter Garrison, Silas Garrison, Kenneth Hutt, Hunter Mack, Seth Newton, Trapper Savage, Winter Sedler, Nathin Sentell, Rowyn Shupe and Cody Todd.

At Libby, four students passed the certification test. Owen Enyeart, Carson Williams, Greysen Thompson each passed the 3G test while Thomas Roark passed the 3-G unlimited.

Instructor John Love said passing the test is important for a number of reasons.

“It shows an employer that the student has stuck with it and signals they know how to weld,” Love said. “It can also be a pretty good path to a good paying job.”

Troy welding students, led by instructors Jeff Thill and John McClellan, each passed their certification test. (Photo courtesy Troy Public Schools)