AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit launches 2021 tour

The AWS Foundation's Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is on the road for its 2021 tour. Since 2011 the Careers in Welding Trailer has been a driving force for welding education and career development.

“I’m happy to be back on the road spreading the good word about this incredible trade,” said Stephanie Hoffman, program manager workforce development, AWS Foundation.

Sponsored by Lincoln Electric, the 53-ft., single-expandable trailer provides visitors the opportunity to try their hand at virtual welding on the VRTEX 360 virtual reality welding simulator. Participants can compete for the highest score of the day to win a $1,000 welding scholarship.

“In 2019 we awarded $49,000 in scholarships during the length of the tour, and this year we are excited to do it again,” said Hoffman.

Visitors will also have the chance to experience exhibits designed to engage the senses and spark an interest in the welding industry, as well as get up close to the “Metal Maiden,” a 5-ft.-tall metal sculpture in the likeness of the Statue of Liberty, created by Hoffman and Barbie the Welder as part of the AWS Arc-2-Art project.

Tour stops include the Mid South Fair, Southaven, Miss.; the Georgia National Fair, Perry, Ga.; the Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie, Ga.; the Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile, Ala.; and the Peanut Festival, Dothan, Ala.