Welding student Blake Jones continues to rack up the accolades. He is the first student in history of the Carroll County Area Technology Center to pass nine certifications.
“It took all year to get it done, but I put the time into it,” he said. Jones noted he completed the nine certification tests in a two-week period.
“I practiced enough to put two pieces together and I knew the weld would hold,” he said matter-of-factly. The teenager is very humble about his abilities. “It kind of surprised me at first, but I figured I’d shoot for them while I can.”
Justin Tingle is the first-year welding teacher who has produced tremendous results in his classes. He is working on a subject-wide record with the number of certifications his students complete.
“Blake has been an ideal student and a blessing for my first year,” Tingle said. He praised Blake for helping other students and keeping the welding shop in order. In fact, other students have seen his achievements and are now striving to complete nine certifications.
“Going into this year I didn’t think I’d be where I am,” Jones said. “Tingle has helped me a lot,” he added.
“He has a very real natural ability to weld and understand the way the metal achieves its melting point and then joins together. I'm not sure I can take full credit for it. He seems to take advantage of every available opportunity to learn and try something new,” Tingle said.
Jones said vertical welding was the most challenging for him. Jones was able to spend extra time on welding because of flexibility in his senior schedule.
According to Carroll County ATC Principal Kirk Brooks, Tingle is a naturally gifted teacher. “He has given his students an opportunity to graduate from high school with multiple industry certifications that will set them on a path to success very early on. Most importantly to me, he is doing so, all while modeling for them what it means to be a young man or woman of good character. He’s exactly the kind of teacher every principal wants on the team.”
During spring break, Jones contacted some of Tingle’s Ironworker brothers from Local 70 in Louisville and, upon his recommendation, was able to sign up for their apprenticeship. He will have a full-time job with benefits and be a Journeyman Ironworker by the time he is 21.
“This is an outstanding effort by Blake,” said Superintendent Casey Jaynes. “In working with local business and industry, Blake will be a model example of what Carroll County Schools is developing for our local workforce.”
Jaynes also praised Tingle, calling him “a valuable asset to CCATC and we appreciate his dedication to the students of our community.”
Tingle said he is very excited for Blake’s future. “I am over the moon for him to have achieved his goals. It will pay huge dividends for his future,” he said. “Even though Blake has been exceptional, all of my students have surpassed most of their goals and surprised themselves and made their families proud.”