NEWS RELEASE: Roseville High School Wins $10,000 Grant for Welding Program

While the Roseville High School welding program has only been up and running since the fall of last year, they are already receiving some assistance in making the program successful.  Airgas, an Air Liquide company, has selected RHS to receive a welding education grant worth $10,000 as part of the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative.  Roseville High School was selected as one of 23 new high school programs and 6 returning programs for 2021.  Airgas will provide recurring material donations and educational support to RHS as part of an effort to support underserved high school welding programs.   Airgas associates will work alongside teachers and school officials to provide necessary support over the coming years, in a collective effort to provide comprehensive welding training programs and prepare students for successful careers in the welding industry.

Roseville High School’s welding teacher Matt Komarowski said that while the program is still in its infancy, the kids have been excited about the program.  “It’s an important class and the students are eager to use the equipment each day.  A lot of skilled trades are looking for young people that want to learn and get into a trade like welding.”  RHS Assistant Principal and Career Tech Coordinator Dennis Borse said that the district created the welding and metal fabrication course to diversify the Career Tech Education course offerings. “It is a high demand field with great employment opportunities. Welding is an essential component to many industries and this class will provide experience for our students to learn a skill that can be applied to the workforce.”

While the $10,000 can be spent on anything for the program, Komarowski already has a few items targeted for purchase.  “We’ll be looking to pick up a TIG welder for students who are excelling at the MIG welding.” TIG (tungsten inert gas) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to heat the metal and requires a more specialized training to ensure proper precision and accuracy than MIG (metal inert gas) welding.  Komarowski added that he will also be looking to add some additional consumables with this grant including nozzle tips, additional wire, and safety items such as extra gloves and face shields.

In a release regarding the program, Airgas said that the welding industry is currently facing a shortage of skilled labor and STEM graduates.  “The U.S. will need over 375,000 welding professionals by 2023 to fill job openings, according to recent projections accounting for economic growth, a retiring workforce, career advancement of the workforce and technological advancements.” (Emsi, March 2020) 

Each year, Airgas teams across the country nominate local high schools that are in need of, and prepared to, receive substantial private support, where Airgas experts could visit schools regularly throughout the school year to work alongside teachers and students.  Once selected, underserved high school technology programs are supported by Airgas welding experts and associates who volunteer their time and expertise.  Participating programs receive a customized mix of hands-on professional development training or continuing education for welding teachers, welding consumables or equipment, safety PPE, and other resources.  “Having Airgas as a professional partner is a great opportunity.  We thank them for this incredible opportunity,” added Komarowski. 

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