The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Eric Younkins has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award. Younkins, a welding instructor, is employed at the United Technical Center. He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.
“Eric Younkins has consistently supplied his students with learning opportunities that are always current with industry standards,” noted Ray Frazier, assistant director at the United Technical Center. “Younkins was instrumental in obtaining American Welding Society Certification for his shop, the first in the state. Consequently, his students are always prepared to meet the demands of the current standards of the welding industry.”
Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia.
Eric Younkins’ dedication to his students is illustrated by the success his students have had in SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels,” said Program Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program on behalf of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas.
The Outstanding Industry Educator awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher who inspires pupils to work harder to pursue a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students on multiple Explore the New Manufacturing events and in Career Technical Education endeavors.
Younkins’ award is part of Explore’s Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards. Profiles of all award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards
