Utah State University Eastern’s welding program continued its tradition of excellence when welder Wyatt Hansen traveled to Lyon, France to compete in the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Facing a stacked field of 47 of the world’s best young welders, Hansen secured a bronze medal finish.
The 2024 WorldSkills Competition was held from Tuesday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 15, and featured over 1,400 competitors representing 65 countries. To qualify for this competition, Hansen first had to win the USA Weld Trials in Huntsville, Alabama in March. After winning the Trials, Hansen participated in competitions across the globe to prepare for WorldSkills. These smaller events included stops in Australia, Canada and again Huntsville.
The WorldSkills competition does not just test a participant’s technical ability, but also their knowledge of safety practices and regulations of their skill. “ Welders need to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of safe working practices, personal protection equipment and the hazards and practices associated with the welding and fabrication industries. They need to gain specific knowledge of a wide range of welding equipment and processes as well as an understanding of how welding will affect the structure of the material being welded. They need to be familiar with electricity and how it is utilized for welding.” According to the WorldSkills website.
Of the Competitors, Hansen finished with the bronze medal, scoring 728 points. The only competitors ahead of him in the field of 47 were Ben Rainforth of Canada with 729 points, Zehong Hu of China with 733 points and Sanghyeok Lee of Korea with 736 points.
In a post shared to his Instagram, Hansen stated,” It’s been an honor to represent the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the 47th World Skills … All of the hard work, time and dedication paid off! Thanks to everyone that helped and thank you to all my sponsors as well!”
In a news release from WorldSkills, Hansen expressed gratitude saying, “I’m grateful to my Welding instructors from USUE, my high school instructors, my employer, and my family and friends for helping me get to this point.”
Full results from the WorldSkills 2024 competition can be viewed here.
Castle Country Radio would like to congratulate Hansen on his incredible accomplishment and thank him for representing Eastern Utah so well.
*Photo Courtesy of WorldSkills