Tulsa Welding School (TWS) concluded its 2024 ‘Weld-to-Win’ competitions across the U.S., awarding four full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrated exceptional welding skills. High school students who have completed a welding class at a vocational or high school were invited to participate in the annual competition. Each of the four first-place winners received full-tuition scholarships for the welding program at Tulsa Welding School. Winners included:
• Jose Garcia Lopez from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga.
• Cristian Ramirez from Dumas High School in Dumas, Texas
• Kentavious Maxie from Many High School in Many, La.
• Logan Lee from Many High School in Many, La.
The competitions took place over four months at each of TWS’ four campuses in Tulsa, OK, Jacksonville, FL, Houston, TX and Irving, TX, with more than 400 students competing across all four competi- tions. Students were tested on a variety of skills, including stick welding and blueprint reading. Partial tuition scholarships were also awarded to secondand third-place winners, while each participating student received a $500 tuition allowance to any Tulsa Welding School campus or The Refrigeration School, Inc.
“The skilled trades industry is facing a growing need for talented welders,” said Mary Kelly, President and CEO of StrataTech Education Group, parent company of TWS. “Fortunately, the students who participated in this year’s competitions showcased incredible talent at their level and we’re so excited to welcome them to Tulsa Welding School, where they can hone their craft before entering a demanding and thriving workforce.”
Gen Z students are showing increasing interest in trade schools as enrollment in vocational training programs surges. The number of students enrolled in vocational- focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018.
The ’Weld-to-Win’ competitions are part of StrataTech’s larger efforts to support high school seniors by providing opportunities, awareness and resources to help them pursue training and careers as skilled trades professionals. TWS provides many resources for students to pursue their education, including financial resources such as scholarships, grants and financial aid for those who qualify, housing assistance, part-time job assistance and career services to help them find a job post-graduation. Instructors who have worked in the field act as mentors for students and campus ambassadors are on-site to help students navigate the transition from high school to career.
Each TWS campus offers dedicated admissions teams who can assist students who may be interested in enrolling in a program post-high school. Students can tour their local campus and learn more about financial aid assistance, housing assistance near campus, part-time job assistance and career services for post-graduation career opportunities. For more information on training for careers in welding, as well as HVAC, refrigeration or electrical applications, please visit www.tws.edu.