The closer you get to graduation, the more people seem to ask you, “What are you doing after high school?” It can be a really hard question to answer. A four-year college isn't the right path for everyone – especially when the average college student graduates with around $30,000 of debt or more.

The American Welding Society Foundation will award more than $2 million in scholarships in 2022, and the deadline to apply for most National, District, and Section Scholarships is March 1. Here’s some advice on how to make your application the best possible.

ELCo Enterprises Inc. — a Michigan-based provider of welding wire products, torches, and cell support equipment — has always prided itself on supporting veterans in any way it can. The company was founded by a veteran, employs veterans, honors those who served, and has benefited from its association with the armed forces.

Welcome back to the third part of the series. In this feature, we are going to spend some time covering best practices for student success when attending welding school.

When it comes to the welding industry, reports commonly cite outdated statistics or inaccurate information. To be the industry leader in statistical data, the AWS Foundation launched Welding Workforce Data, a website dedicated to sharing accurate welding workforce statistics and projections.

Hello, future welding students! Welcome back to the second part of the series, where we explore the tools needed for your welding classes.

Manufacturing Day or MFG Day, which officially falls on October 1, is the kick-off for manufacturing’s biggest celebration of the year that goes all month long!

High school welding apprentices at John Deere’s Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois, facilities got a surprise this summer. In addition to learning pulse welding, laying the perfect bead, and mastering weld sizes, Deere required their apprentices to take a communications course through a partnership with Iowa State University’s (ISU) English Department. Apprentice Ana Burke welding. 

The thought of changing careers can bring up a wide range of emotions. At first, it’s exciting to think about getting out of your current dead-end job and doing something that’s more fulfilling. However, you may also be anxious about making it happen with your family responsibilities.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: Laptop Table

It's official you signed up for welding class and are beginning the first steps to investing in your future. Good choice! Now let's help you get the most out of that education by giving you a handful of tips, tricks, and advice for this journey to a rewarding welding career. You probably think that with all the money you just dropped on this education that you should be good to go, and you won’t have to spend any more cash until next semester or your next class. Well, unfortunately, that's not -always going to be the case, as getting welding training is quite a bit different than any other traditional study or program. 

Your welding class is most likely going to require essential hand tools for daily tasks and course activities and the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform the course objectives safely. You're also probably going to have to purchase a few books for class along the way. The good news here- all the tools, books, and PPE you buy for school will be a major asset and used again when you graduate and start that first job as a welder. 

As a welding instructor, I have often dreamt about opening my own welder training facility but have always looked at it as an unobtainable dream. I can’t even begin to imagine how would I prepare myself to make my very own school a reality. With this in mind, I thought I would love to talk to someone with first-hand experience — so I asked Scott Raabe, who recently did the very thing I find so unobtainable in starting Precision Welding Academy, Katy, Tex. He gave me a glimpse into his teaching styles and what it takes to open a training facility.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: Scrap Cart

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: a Bird House!

For Stephanie Hoffman, welding isn’t just a job – it’s part of her identity. Watch the video to find out how welding has allowed her to pursue her artistic passion and find a career she loves.

Just like in the corporate world, ambitious welders can gain experience to bolster their resume, build specialty skills and obtain more senior-level roles. Let’s look at four ways you can climb the ladder in the welding field.

The AWS Foundation's Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is gearing up to hit the road for its 2021 tour. Since 2011, the Careers in Welding Trailer has been a driving force for welding education and career development.  Sponsored by Lincoln Electric, the 53-foot single-expandable trailer provides visitors with a unique learning experience. Its wide array of hands-on exhibits engages the senses and sparks an interest in the welding industry.

Life is full of unexpected turns. For Sarah Stork, moving to a farm in Georgetown, Tex., proved to be the catalyst that launched her career as a metal artist.

The first time Tony Bilski tried welding, it changed his life forever. Now he runs his own fabrication company and has been hired for projects across the country. 

SAN DIEGO, CA — Free career training is the best way to stay ahead in a pandemic economy. The award-winning welding program at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is preparing graduates for in-demand careers at General Dynamics NASSCO and with national union apprenticeships.

For lead singer, Brittany Wallace and former educator, Sarah McKee, the COVID-19 crisis was an opportunity to learn a trade.

Wallace, 33, frontwoman for local soul band, The Anodynes, came to SDCCE hoping to build a lucrative career. “There is no performing live right now, I had to think of other creative ways to make an income,” she said.

For no cost, students can specialize in one to five welding certificates: Shielding Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Pipe Welding and Metal Fabrication at SDCCE, the fourth college of the San Diego Community College District.
Following nearly a year of campus closures, SDCCE adopted hybrid options for hard-to-transition classes—skilled and technical trades. Smaller class sizes are meeting for hands-on learning at SDCCE’s outdoor welding yard located in Mountain View while others are learning remotely, studying blueprint reading, welding symbols, theory, and math.
In addition to playing San Diego venues, Wallace worked in the restaurant business for 15 years, an industry she believed would always be profitable.

Nearly 40% of all jobs lost during the pandemic in California have been in the hospitality industry, reported Business Insider.

“I worked in hospitality for as long as I could remember. I thought serving was essential,” she said. “It was a huge relief to find affordable job training and to learn that the welding industry is always looking for new talent. There is so much to do from robotics and aerospace, to the military and shipyards.”

Wallace is working toward earning all five welding certificates from SDCCE.

One of the greatest challenges facing the construction industry today is prolonged talent shortages, reported Nationwide. Despite the pressing need to recruit more workers, the construction industry has traditionally failed to recruit one key demographic in sizable numbers. Women make up only 9.3% of the construction industry's workforce.

To equalize access for minority populations joining the building and construction trades, SDCCE awards grants to students enrolled in a nontraditional area of study and provides opportunity to enter union apprenticeships.

SDCCE’s 2021 spring welding program enrolled nine female welders, a rising number compared to past records. The cohort includes McKee, 28, who left her teaching career to weld.

“I love education, but I didn’t want to do it anymore. I want to build things with my hands again,” she said.

Prior to working as a high school teacher, McKee majored in theatre arts and mathematics at California Lutheran University, where she worked in the theatre department as a carpenter and a tech director building props and lighting.

After months of online learning, McKee was overjoyed when SDCCE campuses safely reopened. “I was very excited to get in and physically weld,” she said. “Plus, it's amazing that the training is free, otherwise I wouldn't have the money or time to go back to graduate school.”

Following her studies at SDCCE, McKee plans to pursue a specialty in underwater welding.

For more information visit, SDCE.EDU. For interviews contact, Allura Garis at alluragaris@gmail.com.

Meet Kayla Johnson — a 26-year-old journeywoman welder who is not only respected for her quality work but is also a woman who wants to inspire other females to join the trade.

When Jake Ross retired from the military, he wanted a career that would allow him to gain new skills and offer opportunities for advancement. After becoming a welder and learning about robotics, he worked his way up to become a sales manager.

Engineering can be an exciting career path. You get to combine science and creativity to solve problems and build important things. You could have the opportunity to travel for different projects. And you can make an excellent living doing it.

Four schools across four states battle in one advanced manufacturing competition – this is Project MFG’s National Challenge that premiered in a new pilot, Clash of Trades, on YouTube, April 20, 2021.

The National Center for Welding Education and Training (Weld-Ed) has announced its 2021 professional development workshop series, which features seven state-of-the-art training modules designed exclusively for welding educators and industrial trainers.

Science and technology are evolving at a rapid pace. Computers and digital tech get most of the attention but they’re not the only areas that deserve credit. In fact, many of the latest breakthroughs are made from metal and built using traditional fabrication processes such as welding.

Pennsylvania College of Technology welding faculty and students spent over 3,500 total hours fabricating an aluminum structure unveiled recently at the Botanical Garden of Rome. The Penn College crew used nearly 5,000 feet of aluminum – about 16 football fields in length – to build the four walls for the chapel, designed to integrate nature, art, music and architecture.  

Sean Flottmann, or "@dabswellington", as most of you know him, took a moment to talk about his career and rise in social media, as well as share some advice for those who aspire to be like him. Flottmann first got into making welded art early in his career, creating small gifts such as figurines for friends and family. His first project was a replica of a drum set complete with cymbals, threaded hi-hat and a figure with hair made of gas metal arc welding wire.

Tune in as ArcJunkies host Jason Becker interviews Nate Bowman, a CWI, CWE, and CWS. Nate shares his experience on becoming a Certified Welding Supervisor and how it's helped him with his welding career.

Experience the journey of two female welding and metal fabricating artists as they collaborate from a distance on one single piece of welded artwork in this exciting “Arc 2 Art,” video series.

Akbar Millender’s competitive spirit has helped him climb the ladder at his manufacturing company – from a grinder out of high school to his current role as an operations manager.

Not everyone can remember the exact moment they decided what to do with their life. Zach Taylor can. He was 18 years old and following his father’s footsteps working in construction. One day he was carrying 2x4 lumber up a ladder. His back hurt and he said to himself, “This isn’t for me.”

Jason Hammer of Rhoads Industries shares how welding can be a great career choice for anyone and what it is like to be working in the maritime industry as a welder. As a welding apprentice, Jason Hammer found a way to make good money out of high school and work a job he’s passionate about.

Jonathan Meyer went to art school but after being introduced to welding, he changed his career path. Since then has worked many jobs that are both personally and financially rewarding. He also uses his metalworking skills to create unique art.

After serving your country, you’re entitled to certain military benefits to help you transition back to civilian life and set yourself up for a long, successful career. One of the biggest programs available is the G.I. Bill. The surprising fact is that since 2009, only 51% of eligible veterans have used their G.I. Bill education benefits.

When starting most careers, there's a set path that you must follow, which can often be very long. For example, if you want to be a public accountant, you'll have to go to college and earn a four-year degree. Then you have to study for and pass a series of exams to be certified, which can add another year or two until you reach your goal.

When you think of a welding job, you probably picture someone welding two pieces of metal by hand in a shop or construction site. Sure, those are important, in-demand and high-paying jobs. But they’re only the tip of the iceberg.Welding isn’t just for building bridges and ships. It’s an important process in so many parts of our lives – many you haven’t thought of. So whether you like cutting-edge technology, motorsports, art or just have a sense of adventure, there’s a surprisingly awesome welding job waiting for you.

Timing can be everything in life. If you’re contemplating a career change, you don’t want to rush into a decision but you also don’t want to put it off any longer than necessary. It’s also important to join an industry that is booming today but also has a good long-term outlook – otherwise, in a few years you could find yourself in a similar position of feeling stuck or unsatisfied with your job.

Since you were little, you’ve been asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Now that high school graduation is on the horizon, it’s time to start really thinking about career options. There are many factors to consider, like how easy it is to find a job in your field, how much education or training is required, and how much jobs usually pay.

But, also consider this – the average age of retirement for Americans is 63. That’s a long time to be doing a job that you hate. So you don’t just want just any career that comes along – you want one that you’re excited about and is something you can take pride in.

Have you ever thought about getting into welding? It’s not your typical job – and we mean that in a good way. It’s a career that can allow you to make a great living that also fits with many different personal interests. You should consider welding if you…

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will hold 12 jobs between the ages of 18 and 50. Some of these changes are small – like moving to a new company in the same industry. But some are major – such as changing to a completely new career.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: a Diamond Shelf!

As a third-generation welder, Anthony Gates Mafra learned how to work with metal from his father. His career has allowed him to see different parts of the world, and now is helping him settle down to raise his own family.

You need a boring corporate job to make $100,000 a year, right? Actually, no. If working in an office, sitting at your desk and being stuck in a cubicle all day doesn't sound like your "dream job," then you have other options.