Pictured Above: Austin Noack (Bearden High School) Instructor Justin Freeland, and Jacob Thompson (Bearden High School) at SkillsUSA in Hot Springs. 

The SAU Tech Career Academy's High School Welding program participated in the recent SkillsUSA competitions held in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Austin Noack placed first winning a gold and his fellow student, Jake Thompson, placed third, winning a bronze medal. 

Renee Noack, mother of Austin Noack, stated that, "I am thankful and grateful for SAU Tech's Career Academy and Mr. Freeland for instilling a love of welding in my son. Since the competition, Austin now has a desire and direction to pursue this trade and further his education." 

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. We provide educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms. For more information go to www.skillsusa.org.