The Kentucky Welding Institute hosted its 2025 National Senior Welding Competition in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, on April 16th. The event provided students with practical training and scholarship opportunities while also serving as a recruitment platform for future Boilermakers. Chris Elmore, Southeast Recruiter for the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, engaged with over 100 seniors participating in the competition and an additional 100 KWI students. Many parents of the competitors were also present.
Elmore emphasized the importance of such events in raising awareness about Boilermaker careers. “Most of these kids in my area know what a pipefitter is or what an ironworker does, but not who the Boilermakers are. These events allow recruiters to close that knowledge gap. These events are where our most qualified candidates come from,” he stated.
Following the competition, Elmore reported receiving several inquiries from seniors interested in joining the apprentice program after graduation.
Elmore employs various recruiting strategies, including distributing posters and business cards in school welding shops and utilizing social media platforms. Nonetheless, he prefers direct interaction with potential recruits. “I plan on attending as many of the KWI events as possible,” he said.
