IBEW 1245 Member Kaycee King, & IBEW Business Representatives Phuong Tran & Mike Tilden staff IBEW 1245 Table at Winters High School Fabrication Contest
March 21, 2025 — Nearly twenty teams of high school students from across the region came together on March 21st to test their skills and determination at the Winters FFA Fabrication Contest, held at the PG&E Gas Safety Facility in Winters, California. This dynamic, hands-on competition gave students a rare opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting, reinforcing local schools’ commitment to personalized education and career-readiness programs.
IBEW 1245 proudly participated in the event, with Member Kaycee King and Business Representatives Phuong Tran and Mike Tilden hosting a booth to engage with the young competitors. They distributed informational materials and shared insights about career opportunities within IBEW 1245, sparking interest among students eager to see how their current skills could lead to future careers in the trades.
The contest itself was designed to be a rigorous, fast-paced challenge. Each team was tasked with building a metal-framed bench and footstool with wooden slats—within a strict six-hour time limit. Contestants received their project designs and blueprints the morning of the competition, ensuring the experience was authentic, spontaneous, and focused on adaptability.
Beyond the fabrication challenge, students gained hands-on experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and technical execution. Many participants left with a renewed passion for welding and fabrication, along with a sense of accomplishment. Some teams even completed their projects using PG&E welding trucks, and students also had the opportunity to tour PG&E’s on-site training facilities.
While not all teams were able to complete their builds within the time frame, the contest allowed them to bring their partially completed projects back to their schools to finish them in class—an extension of the learning experience that exemplifies the contest’s educational value.
Winters High School Students at work
This year’s event was organized as a senior project by Winters High School student Daniel Tejeda, who aimed to create a challenge that pushed participants to think critically while honing their technical skills. Teams were judged on precision, craftsmanship, and teamwork, reflecting the importance of applied learning in today’s career technical education programs.
IBEW 1245 Business Representative Phuong Tran was inspired by the energy of the students, stating, “The interaction with the high school students participating in the welding competition was outstanding. Their energy and enthusiasm for the welding trade gave me hope that the future of our pipeline is in great hands. Hopefully, some of these kids will consider a career working at some of Local 1245’s represented properties.”
Finished Product
Kaycee King echoed that sentiment, adding, “Attending the WHS FFA Fabrication Contest was such a great experience—watching local youth come together and showcase their amazing talent and skills in welding and fabrication. It was also compelling to see the diversity of the teams, with boys and girls competing side by side. You could truly see the pride each student had in their work. Being there to represent IBEW 1245 and talk to them about potential career paths was exciting for them and meaningful for me. Representation is one of the best ways we can bridge the gap for women and young girls entering this industry and show that with drive and determination, anything is possible.”
The Winters FFA Fabrication Contest not only highlighted the technical capabilities of the next generation of welders and fabricators, but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of industry partnerships in supporting youth development. IBEW 1245 was honored to be part of this impactful event and looks forward to participating again in the years to come.
– Mike Tilden, IBEW 1245 Business Representative