Victor Technologies launched two contests as part of its celebration of the 100th anniversary of its Victor brand of cutting and gas control equipment.

The “A Cut Above” contest is open to students in cutting, welding and related programs at secondary and post-secondary schools and will award more than $30,000 in equipment and cash prizes. Beginner students will write a 500-word essay supporting the contest theme, while advanced students will submit a team metal fabrication project that incorporates an oxy-fuel, air-fuel or plasma cutting rocess.

The “Show Us Your Innovations” 2014 calendar contest will award 12 Victor Medalist 250 cutting outfits and a Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 plasma cutter as the Grand Prize — for the best photos and associated captions of the entrant using any Victor or Victor Thermal Dynamics cutting equipment.

“These contests celebrate the spirit of our end users who have used Victor equipment for over the past 100 years. Winners will demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship and an appreciation for quality tools that enable them to shape their world,” said Martin Quinn, CEO, Victor Technologies.

Both contests run through September.