Sparking the Next Generation of Welders

The future of welding is bright, but the American Welding Society understands that the field needs to reach out to the next generation. Young people aren’t entering the industry the way they did in the past, and the AWS predicts a shortage of 290,000 skilled workers by 2020. The need to support welding students drives the AWS to hold events for young welders across the country. Such an event happened recently: the 44th annual High School Welding Contest put on by the Detroit Section of the AWS.

Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, was the setting for this contest, and students competed in a comprehensive round of tests, including written exams and cutting and welding projects. Winners received generous scholarships to welding programs, along with plenty of swag and recognition at an awards ceremony.

RoboVent was thrilled to support these students through a donation to the scholarship fund. Our mission is to increase productivity in manufacturing by improving the lives of workers, and getting these students started off on the right foot is important. Supporting best practices in welding, as well as the leading principles of health and safety, will produce happier, more productive workers. The need for clean air is an important part of this effort. Together, these factors will improve manufacturing in the long run.

The Detroit Section of the AWS is near our headquarters in Sterling Heights, MI, so we were happy for the opportunity to support the local community. We are also enthusiastic supporters of the AWS, a vital institution in today’s manufacturing world. We are grateful for their support of RoboVent over the years, as well.