Three consecutive national welding championships from one Utah State University Eastern student might sound impressive, but there’s a critical testing skill most welding programs overlook that could determine whether graduates actually succeed in high-stakes industrial careers.
Utah State University Eastern's welding program stands as a beacon of excellence in technical education, consistently producing championship-level welders who compete on national and international stages. The program's success stems from rigorous training, cutting-edge curriculum, and partnerships with industry leaders who understand the critical importance of proper weld testing and validation.
Ben Cornaby placed first in the welding division at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta. He has now won three consecutive national welding titles, one as a high school student and two as a college student at USU Eastern. At the same time, USU Eastern has claimed the collegiate national title three years in a row, with Cornaby winning in 2024 and 2025 and Wyatt Hansen securing the championship in 2023.
The SkillsUSA competitions simulate real-world challenges that welders face in manufacturing, construction, energy, and transportation industries. Students work under pressure while maintaining professional presentation standards, skills that directly translate to workplace success. These competitions test not only technical welding ability but also blueprint reading, metallurgy knowledge, and weld inspection capabilities.
Hydrostatic testing serves as the gold standard for validating weld integrity in pipeline systems, using pressurized water to detect defects that could lead to catastrophic failures. Rice Hydro's manual test pumps provide the reliable equipment needed for these critical safety assessments. The testing process involves filling welded pipeline sections with water and pressurizing them beyond normal operating levels to identify weak points before systems go into service.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and American Petroleum Institute (API) have established standards requiring hydrostatic testing for welded pipeline systems. These standards specify minimum test pressures, hold times, and documentation requirements that ensure public safety and environmental protection. Welders must understand these requirements to produce work that meets industry specifications and passes mandatory inspections.
Professional hydrostatic testing equipment can detect microscopic flaws in weld joints that visual inspection might miss. Test pumps like the MTP-15-3GT can generate up to 1500 PSI through manual operation, featuring dual checkvalve systems that prevent pressure bleed-back during testing. Early detection of weld defects saves significant costs compared to repairs after system installation, making proper testing equipment vital for quality control programs.
Utah State University Eastern's welding technology program has earned national recognition for its curriculum and exceptional student outcomes. The program ensures graduates master multiple welding processes rather than specializing in just one technique, creating well-rounded professionals ready for diverse industry applications. This approach has consistently produced students who excel in competitive environments and secure high-paying positions immediately upon graduation.
Wyatt Hansen of Altonah, Utah, represented the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, and won a bronze medal in the welding category. SkillsUSA selected Hansen as the official U.S. competitor after his outstanding performance in national competitions, marking another milestone for USUE's welding program. WorldSkills represents the Olympics of vocational education, bringing together the world's most talented young professionals to compete in their chosen trades.
The welding curriculum at USUE covers four processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Students gain proficiency in each technique while learning supporting skills including metallurgy, print reading, and weld inspection. This approach ensures graduates can adapt to various industrial requirements and advance quickly in their careers.
Ben Cornaby's three consecutive national titles represent an exceptional achievement in SkillsUSA welding competition history. His victories in 2023, 2024, and 2025 demonstrate both individual dedication and the consistent quality of instruction at USUE. Cornaby's success has inspired younger students while showcasing the program's ability to develop championship-level skills year after year.
Hands-on training with professional-grade equipment prepares welding students for real-world certification requirements and workplace expectations. Rice Hydro's manual test pumps provide the same functionality used in industrial settings, allowing students to gain practical experience with hydrostatic testing procedures. This exposure to actual testing equipment bridges the gap between classroom theory and professional practice.
The MTP series manual hydrostatic test pumps provide ideal training platforms for welding students learning pressure testing principles. These hand-operated pumps require no external power source, making them perfect for classroom demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Students can observe pressure buildup, gauge readings, and system responses while developing the physical skills needed for manual pump operation.
Rice Hydro's MTP-15-3GT delivers professional-level performance with 1500 PSI capability and dual checkvalve design that eliminates pressure bleed-back during testing. The stainless steel liquid-filled gauge provides accurate readings while the 3-gallon polypropylene reservoir ensures adequate water supply for extended testing sessions. These features teach students proper testing procedures while reducing operator fatigue through efficient design.
Competition success in SkillsUSA welding events creates significant scholarship opportunities for students pursuing advanced education and certification. These financial awards help talented welders continue their education without the burden of student debt, enabling them to focus on skill development and career advancement. The recognition also attracts attention from potential employers who value competitive achievement.
The Miller Electric WorldSkills Scholarship recognizes students who compete in the SkillsUSA competition for welding. Students seeking a professional certification, associate or bachelor's degree in welding are welcome to apply. This substantial financial support helps cover educational expenses, equipment costs, and living expenses while students pursue advanced welding certifications.
SkillsUSA medals and WorldSkills participation create immediate career opportunities as employers actively recruit championship-level welders. Companies understand that competitive success indicates exceptional skill levels, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure. Many USUE graduates receive multiple job offers before graduation, often at premium wage rates that reflect their demonstrated abilities.
The partnership between educational institutions and equipment manufacturers like Rice Hydro ensures welding students learn with tools they'll encounter in professional settings. This collaboration creates a seamless transition from classroom to career while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. Students who train with professional equipment develop confidence and competence that employers immediately recognize and value.
Proper training equipment investment pays dividends through improved student outcomes, higher certification pass rates, and stronger industry partnerships. When welding programs use professional-grade testing equipment, graduates enter the workforce with practical experience that sets them apart from competitors. This preparation ultimately strengthens the entire welding industry by ensuring new professionals meet the demanding standards of modern manufacturing and construction projects.
For hydrostatic testing solutions that support welding education and professional training, visit Rice Hydro to view their complete line of manual and powered test pump systems.
