ESAB Announces 2025 AWS Scholarships Winners

North Bethesda, Md. – ESAB proudly announces the 12 recipients of the 2025 $5,000 scholarships, awarded through a collaboration with the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. The scholarships, made possible by ESAB’s Future Fabricators program, support students across North America pursuing welding certifications and degrees.

ESAB developed its Future Fabricators Program to support aspiring welders and fabricators. One of the many ways it moves the industry forward is through funding AWS Foundation scholarships, which recipients use to fund the education and training needed to launch successful welding careers. 

“With the support of the AWS Foundation, we’re investing in the next generation of welders—and the future of our industry,” said Eleanor Lukens, President of the Americas, ESAB. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to workforce development and to ensuring that students across North America have access to the education and training they need to succeed.”

This year’s ESAB AWS Scholarship Recipients include the following students: Benjamin Barnstable, Ferris State University; Alex Chambers, Kentucky Welding Institute; Christian Dullard, Universal Technical Institute-Austin; Harrison Entwistle, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Aric Farill, Tyler Junior College; Clayton Fegley, Pennsylvania College of Technology; Anthony Harwood, Ferris State University; Stephen Iszler, Clover Park Technical College; Douglas Laursen, Brigham Young University-Idaho; Nicholas McAllister, Ferris State University; Ellis Meloche, Ferris State University and Brent Tamanalevu, American River College.

According to AWS, the U.S. must fill 80,000 welding jobs annually through 2029. With only 9.4% of welders under 25 and over 21% aged 55+, the need to support welding education to develop the next generation of welders is urgent.

“The AWS Foundation is proud to partner with ESAB to provide scholarships, and we look forward to creating brighter futures for aspiring welding professionals for years to come,” says Monica Pfarr, Executive Director, AWS Foundation.

Past scholarship recipients shared how support helps them stay focused on their education and career goals:

• “The scholarship relieved a lot of financial pressure and allowed me to focus on welding,” said Chad Cutlip, now a journeyman lineman.
• “It allows me to maintain focus on my studies without the added pressure of tuition and living expenses,” said Joseph Wood, a Welding Engineering Technology major and SkillsUSA gold medalist.
• “My education is key to innovating in this industry. This scholarship helps me focus on learning, not just the cost,” said Maddie Yingling, a Welding Engineering student.

To learn more about the winners and the program, visit ESAB’s Future Fabricators website.

About ESAB 

ESAB is a world leader in fabrication technology. For more than 100 years ESAB has transformed industries built by fabricators, providing complete workflow solutions through our diverse portfolio of products from more than 40 of the most trusted brands in welding and cutting in the world. From industrial demands to repair and maintenance, innovators that shape the world rely on ESAB’s portfolio. To learn more, visit ESAB.com. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

ESAB Trade Media Contact:
Chuck Schroeder
Tel +1 (262) 618-4427
[email protected]

Corporate Media Contact:
Tilea Coleman
Tel +1 (301) 323-9092
[email protected]