ESAB Announces 2025 AWS Scholarships Winners
July 28, 2026ESAB recently announced 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 are 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 for to develop the next generation of welders is great.
“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,” stated 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, who is now a journeyman lineman.
Another recipient, Joseph Wood, said, “It allows me to maintain focus on my studies without the added pressure of tuition and living expenses.” Wood is a Welding Engineering Technology major and SkillsUSA gold medalist.
Another Welding Engineering student, Maddie Yinling, said, “My education is key to innovating in this industry. This scholarship helps me focus on learning, not just the cost.”
To learn more about the winners and the program, visit ESAB’s Future Fabricators .
For more information, contact:
ESAB
< back