Oil patch bits: Airgas expands high school welding initiative

Petroleum News

As reported by Airgas News April 8, Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is proud to announce that 72 schools from 33 states and 16 Airgas regions will participate in the high school welding education initiative for the 2025 academic year. Building on its mission since 2018 to support underserved high school welding programs and bridge the skilled trades gap, the initiative is set to reach even more students and communities across the United States.

With the American Welding Society projecting a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, the Airgas high school welding education initiative plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The program provides participating schools with a customized mix of hands-on professional development training for welding teachers, welding consumables and equipment, safety PPE, and other essential resources. The selected school programs are chosen based on four key factors: high unmet need at the school; a productive welding program with the potential to graduate job-ready welders; passionate teachers; and enthusiastic local Airgas champions.

Since 2018, the initiative has supported 162 schools, benefiting over 12,000 students and 664 instructors, with nearly 1,900 students securing jobs post-graduation since 2021.

Jay Worley, Airgas chief operating officer, commented: "We are thrilled to expand the Airgas high school welding education initiative and further our commitment to supporting welding education. By investing in these 72 programs, we are not only addressing a critical skills gap but also empowering students to pursue rewarding careers in welding, engineering, and technical fields."