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Cloudland High School is among 55 schools chosen by Airgas to participate in the company’s 2023 High School Welding Education Initiative.
The company is continuing to expand this program to help students in Tennessee and across the country prepare for careers in welding and to bridge an educational gap supporting the sustainability of the welding industry.
The American Welding Society forecasts that 336,000 new welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2026, with 84,000 average welding jobs to be filled annually between 2022-2025. What’s more, the AWS estimates that welders can make $100,000 or more annually, making this a desirable choice for anyone looking to work their way up the ladder in a challenging, hands-on role.
Schools selected to participate in this year’s Airgas program were 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. Participating programs receive a customized mix of hands-on professional development training or continuing education for welding teachers in close collaboration with Airgas associates. In addition, Airgas donates welding consumables or equipment, safety PPE, and other resources to help support welding program growth within these schools.