What reviewing scholarships taught me about future manufacturing professionals

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What would you do with $1,500? Or $2,000? Or $2,500?

In the case of 42 students, they will use that money to continue on their paths toward a career in manufacturing. In June, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), the charitable foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, announced the recipients of its scholarships for the 2023 fall semester. Forty-two students in trade, community, technical colleges, or universities were awarded between $1,500 and $2,500 to forge ahead with their dreams—dreams that could one day lead to your fab shop.

Now, how far can that money take a student? Well, it likely depends what type of program they’re in; how long the program is; if it’s a trade school or university; the type of financial assistance they’re receiving from their families, school, or elsewhere; and if they’re working while studying.

All that came to mind months ago when I, along with several other volunteers, read and scored these applications. I was once in the applicant’s shoes during the scholarship process, but this was my first time being on the other side of things.

No two answers were alike when asked what influenced their career path, where they saw themselves after graduation, and what motivated them. Frankly, that encouraged me as it likely meant they were speaking from the heart. Some wanted to weld, others wanted to work with cars, and some wanted to be engineers.

Applicants went into specifics on their long-term plans. And in some cases, these plans did not just revolve around themselves. They talked about making their grandparents proud, making certain industries more sustainable, and making welding less challenging for all welders.

Because personal information like names were removed, I have no clue if any of the applications I reviewed ultimately led to someone earning a scholarship. Whether or not they did, I wish them all well and hope they continue down their paths toward a career in the manufacturing industry. We could use more people like that in our workplaces, especially if they’re that ambitious.

And while the application window for fall 2023 has closed, there’s still time to apply for NBT’s spring 2024 scholarships.

To be eligible, applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled in or entering a certificate or degree program which leads to a manufacturing career on a full-time basis (12 or more credit hours).
• Have a 2.5 GPA for trade, community, or technical colleges or a 3.0 GPA for universities.

The spring 2024 application window runs through Sept. 30. To learn more or to apply, visit nbtfoundation.org/scholarships.