MC student receives welding scholarship awardMarch 28, 2019

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation recently awarded Midland College student Ethan Medrano with a $1,000 scholarship to continue his studies.  The scholarship is one of 25 scholarships awarded by AWS District 18, which covers Texas, Louisiana and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Monterrey.

“Ethan is part of the next generation that is taking up the torch and filling the need for skilled welders in our country,” said Thomas Holt, Southeast Regional manager for TechCorr USA LLC who serves as AWS District 18 director.  “The American Welding Society Foundation is pleased to support Ethan’s education with a Welder Training Scholarship, and I look forward to seeing his future contributions to the welding industry.  I commend Midland College for the work they are doing to help advance skilled trades education here in Texas.”

Medrano is currently enrolled in welding classes taught by MC Welding Technology Professor Dan Ledbetter.  Medrano is in his first year of classes working toward a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree.

“Ethan is a hard worker and is really perfecting his welding skills,” said Derek Gasch, MC Manufacturing Technology department chair.  “His future career potential is very promising.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the coming years, the United States will see a significant number of skilled welders reach retirement age, leaving many industries in need of highly trained professionals to replace them. It is estimated that the United States is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of around 250,000 welders. This demographic shift is expected to continue, and will likely provide opportunities for newly trained welders to enter the job market.  Texas tops the five states with the most welding jobs.

“The Welder Training Scholarship is one of the American Welding Society’s latest efforts to address the workforce shortage in the welding industry, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships annually to educate and train a new generation of welders,” said Holt.