Supporting the Future Welders of America

While Eric Pesak, a vocational teacher at Columbus High School, played a significant role in its development by introducing professionals to his classroom and forging industry ties with voestalpine Böhler Welding and other local manufacturing companies, it was the collective drive and vision of many that led to the creation of the TXHSWS. The initiative gained momentum when high schools across the state were invited to participate in weekend welding build-offs, where students competed to build projects for fun and prizes. 

Now a non-profit, the TXHSWS has expanded its mission as it has grown and is dedicated to closing the gap between industry and education. Today they hold Welding Certification Days, Build Off Events, Welding Regional Signature Events and a TXHSWS State Competition to acclimate high-school students to the pressures and expectations of future employers. Earned welding certifications in AWS D9.1, AWS D1.1 meet or exceed the TEA requirements for college, career and military prep for industry-based certifications. 

Our purpose is to develop the technical and employability skills necessary in today's youth for tomorrow's welding industry. Students of all skill levels are challenged to improve their ability and increase the desire to pursue a career in welding,

said TXHSWS Executive Director Pesak. 

voestalpine Böhler Welding USA is a Legacy Partner, donating all welding consumables and swag for the events, as well as sponsoring the registration website and introducing the voestalpine Böhler Welding Elite Scholarship in 2022, which awarded cash prizes to three talented students.

“We are honored to share our resources to ensure that these students have the tools for success for a promising career,” said Diane Nielsen, Senior Vice President Sales, voestalpine Böhler Welding USA. “It’s important to us to support the next generation of welding industry professionals.”

Already this year, there have been 52 events and 1,836 certifications given to the students who number among the 6,887 THSWS registered who are participating from 402 high schools across the state of Texas. Pesak also serves as a conduit to help connect  students with job opportunities as companies look fill their open positions with qualified candidates.

We appreciate voestalpine Böhler Welding’s support of welding education, student scholarships, dedication to the welding industry and Legacy Partnership with the Texas High School Welding Series,

Pesak concluded.