Pictured are Southwest Technical BOCES students who recently received New York state welding certification. From left, Jacob Burns of Gouverneur Central School, Kelvin Gordan of Edwards-Knox Central School, Jordan Planty of Clifton-Fine Central School, Dustin Bullock of Gouverneur Central, Curtis Storie of Gouverneur Central, Jordan Platt of Cliton-Fine Central and Brian Sheen of Gouverneur Central.

GOUVERNEUR -- Seven students from Southwest Technical Center recently became certified New York state field welders.

Jacob Burns of Gouverneur Central School, Kelvin Gordan of Edwards-Knox Central School, Jordan Planty of Clifton-Fine Central School, Dustin Bullock of Gouverneur Central, Curtis Storie of Gouverneur Central, Jordan Platt of Cliton-Fine Central and Brian Sheen of Gouverneur Central all received vertical upright designation. Burns, Platt and Sheen additionally received overhead certification.

In each test, the students prepare and join 1-inch-thick steel plate to rigorous standards. The process requires multiple passes using exacting techniques. After the students complete the weld, the state-certified inspector performs a visual exam of the plates. If the work is acceptable, the plates are submitted for further inspection, according to a news release from Southwest Tech.