Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship

My interest started a few years ago during a visit with my Grandfather David or “Pa” as he is lovingly referred to by the family. He showed me how he uses welding to maintain his farm and equipment in rural Holton, KS. He let me try my hand at a simple weld and it piqued my interest immediately. The bright lights, sparks, crackles and pops, intense heat, protective gear, and distinctive smell were very intriguing and new! Growing up in the city, this was not something I had been previously exposed to at any point. I started to research welding and the opportunities available in various industries. I found out shortly after that my high school offered a 2-year program at the local Technical Center. I also saw it as an opportunity to use my skills to travel around the country, and perhaps the world. Since 70-80% of manufactured goods use welding and almost every trade needs a welder, I plan to become a skilled certified welder where many job opportunities will be abundant in the upcoming years. I knew I wanted to be part of a high-demand hands-on career where I could join the workforce faster by attending my local community college trade school program. I understand that as metropolitan areas grow and aging infrastructure needs repairing and replacing across the country, I will be able to contribute my skills to a critical need. According to the American Welding Society (AWS), new skilled welders will be needed to replace retirees and meet rising demand from natural gas drillers, steel producers, automakers, and more. I want to fill that growing need and be part of the solution. I am currently a high school senior in my 2nd year of the Welding Technology Program through Olathe Advanced Technical Center. I will graduate with an AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder I Certificate. I have toured a local welding and fabrication company to gain knowledge of one type of work environment. I understand that this is a very labor-intensive career that demands high attention to detail. I will be successful in this trade because I have already been studying welding in high school, plan to continue my studies before joining the workforce, my strong technical math skills, and my drive to perfect my technique. I am a very industrious worker who maintains a positive attitude while learning to perfect this new skill. After graduation, I plan to attend Johnson County Community College and pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Metal Fabrication and Welding. By starting my career sooner than others attending a traditional 4-year college program, I hope to secure stable work experience and grow my future career skills and opportunities faster. Through my high school welding program, I discovered that I prefer hands-on work more than anything else and I can’t wait to see where this industry takes me. I believe there are many facets to a successful life. Working in a field that I love, being able to support a family, having a good work/life balance, becoming a respected professional in the trade, helping others succeed, always keeping a positive mindset, being a positive role model in my community, and maintaining a good relationship with friends, family, and coworkers. I know I will be successful because I am young and have everything to look forward to in this life. I am willing to put in the work, both professionally and personally. I appreciate your consideration and am extremely excited to join an exciting career path within an important building and manufacturing industry.