Lincoln Electric announces recipient of first LEEPS Instructor of the Year Award

Cleveland-based Lincoln Electric has announced that Brett Camacho, a welding instructor at Fresno City College in Fresno, Calif., has won the first-ever LEEPS Instructor of the Year Award. The Lincoln Electric Education Partner Schools (LEEPS) program was formed in partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers to provide schools with instructional materials and resources to help the next generation of welders.

“Brett rose above the other award candidates because his program exemplifies everything the LEEPS welding certification program stands for, including train the trainer, advancing and using new welding technology, and advocating for welding certifications and industry-recognized credentials,” said Dan Klingman, manager of educational programming at Lincoln Electric.

Along with a trophy, Camacho received the new Lincoln Electric POWER MIG 215 MPi multiprocess welder. He also was named a member of the LEEPS Advisory Committee.

Camacho started welding at his family’s business at age 12 and continued to work there during college. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University with teaching credentials and a master’s degree, he became a high school welding instructor. Camacho eventually started his own welding and fabrication business, then joined Fresno City College in 2005. He maintains strong industry partnerships through sitting on advisory and hiring committees, conducting workshops, hosting welding competitions, and fabricating projects for local businesses.