“It's wicked fun and it's better than being stuck in a classroom,” said Garret Lear of his educational opportunity at the Bath Regional Career and Technical Center (BRCTC) in Bath. Lear, a Wiscasset High School senior and the son of Ron and Pam Lear of Wiscasset, was recently selected the school’s “Student of the Semester.” Lear received the award for his commitment to his education, attendance and character. 

“Garret is a great kid. He is very focused and a good welder,” said Joel Austin, BRCTC’s director.

In fact, Lear’s excellence in welding skills has earned him a spot in the SkillsUSA Maine Championship in Bangor on March 14-15 in the welding division. This is a state-level competition for high school and college students compete in a variety of trade skills. 

Lear will compete in stick welding, metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas welding and oxygen fuel cutting, all skills he has obtain, while a student at BRCTC. Lear said he used to watch his dad do welding and it sparked an interest.

Lear said he believes success comes as a result of hard work, something he isn’t afraid of. Besides being a lobsterman, he also helps out with the family ice cream business in Wiscasset. 

In the fall, Lear will attend Maine Maritime Academy and major in Marine Engineering Technology. 

Besides welding, BRCTC also offers applied academics, automotive technology, carpentry, commercial art, cooperative education, culinary arts, early childhood, electrical technology, engineering graphics and design, health careers and technical education. The school serves students from Boothbay Region High School, Lincoln Academy, Morse High School and Wiscasset High School. For more information, call Director Joel Austin at 207-443-8257.