I spent over twenty years in IT and I have nothing to show for it as I have been laid off 6 times over 20 years. I never really learned a trade. I did do some house painting with my uncle and long time friend, both had painting businesses. I thought IT was the answer and I was I all in, I have many certifications including my MBA thinking that it would help me in my IT career. Instead, my long time IT friend who I have known since 1997 runs a very successful welding company and I have spent the last 2 years working with him in welding. Welding offers the chance to create something tangible from raw materials. It's a blend of artistry and craftsmanship, where precision meets creativity. The satisfaction of joining metal to form functional or beautiful pieces is unmatched. Plus, welding opens doors to diverse industries, offering a rewarding and hands-on career. My experience in welding has been limited, however I have a longtime friend who owns Pro Ranch Welding and I have assisted him in his shop and out in the field. Thanks to him I have had the opportunity to meet half a dozen other welders, including one gentleman who is a national level welder and will be one of my instructors at PPSC! I have had the opportunity to do MIG and Stick welding thanks to my friends. The reason for learning welding besides enjoying it is discussed below. One of the many reasons I want to weld is the high demand and job security. Skilled welders are in constant demand across industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing, offering excellent job stability and opportunities for growth. Creativity and skill in welding allows you to create custom metal designs, structures, and repairs, combining technical skills with construction. I hope to join my friends and experience high earning potential. With the right training and experience, welding can lead to well-paying careers, with many opportunities for overtime, travel, and specialization, such as underwater or aerospace welding. I have been looking at local welding jobs where I live and I see many positions in aluminum welding, structural welding, and some pipe welding. Anyone of these would have me welding everyday giving me a change to increase my skill. I also live in a growth city and there are construction sites all around me and my friend told me once I get my truck updated with all my equipment I can go to the sites, ask for the foreman and introduce my business! This is a great time to start in rewarding career.

Full disclosure, I have been in IT for over 25 years. Most of my friends are retired or retiring. It is hard for me to say, but I have no 401k, no retirement and no investments. I have been unemployed since September 30th, 2025 (end of 4th quarter for government) as it was on a government contract. I did however start my welding school in the summer of 2025. I have student loans from getting my MBA, which I can’t afford. I need scholarships to support my drive to succeed in welding. Welding offers the chance to create something tangible from raw materials. It's a blend of artistry and craftsmanship, where precision meets creativity. The satisfaction of joining metal to form functional or beautiful pieces is unmatched. Plus, welding opens doors to diverse industries, offering a rewarding and hands-on career. My experience in welding has been limited, however I have a longtime friend who owns Pro Ranch Welding and I have assisted him in his shop and out in the field. Thanks to him I have had the opportunity to meet half a dozen other welders, including one gentleman who is a national level welder and will be one of my instructors at PPSC! I have had the opportunity to do MIG and Stick welding thanks to my friends. One of the many reasons I want to weld is the high demand and job security. Skilled welders are in constant demand across industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing, offering excellent job stability and opportunities for growth. Creativity and skill in welding allows you to create custom metal designs, structures, and repairs, combining technical skills with construction. I hope to join my friends and experience high earning potential. With the right training and experience, welding can lead to well-paying careers, with many opportunities for overtime, travel, and specialization, such as underwater or aerospace welding. I have been looking at local welding jobs where I live and I see many positions in aluminum welding, structural welding, and some pipe welding. Any one of these would have me welding everyday giving me a chance to increase my skill. I also live in a growth city and there are construction sites all around me and my friend told me once I get my truck updated with all my equipment I can go to the sites, ask for the foreman and introduce my business!

I am passionate about welding and excited to attend welding school at PPSC in Colorado Springs, because it offers me the opportunity to work with my hands and create something tangible every day. I enjoy seeing the immediate results of my efforts, whether it is repairing, fabricating, or building something new, and welding gives me that satisfaction. Another reason is the challenge welding presents; it requires precision, focus, and constant learning, which keeps me motivated to improve my skills. I also value welding because it provides a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities in many industries, from construction to manufacturing, which allows me to build a strong future for myself. Finally, I am drawn to welding because it is an art as much as it is a trade, and being able to combine creativity with technical skill gives me pride in the work I do and inspires me to keep learning. As for my future plans, after I achieve my certifications I have outlined my ideas in my business plan. I am fortunate enough to have to successful welders who are longtime friends and my mentors! I have already discussed subbing work from them while starting my own company to work on trailers, fences, heavy equipment, or commercial work with garages, bridges and buildings. I am attending PPSC for my welding experience because they offer me certifications that I will use to secure my future in welding. My game plan is to have my MIG and STICK certificates by the end of Spring 2026. I have been in IT for over 20 years and I have nothing to show for it. I have been laid off in one form another 6 times during my career and 3 of those my position or team was off-shored to another country. I have no 401k or pension. I have worked in government and commercial companies. I have worked for start-up companies and fortune 500 companies. I do have an MBA and a good head for business. My mentors believe that I will be successful in the welding field as I have a long history of working with people and helping when and where I can. Case in point I was a Colorado EMT for 6 years and have plenty of stories I can share. I am taking this opportunity to start over. I am learning a trade in welding because I enjoy the experience every time I weld. I am tracking all my work that I have completed as well as my school experience and I hope to start a blog where others thinking about welding can see and learn about.

I grew up as a military brat. My father spent 28 years in the Air Force! He spent the majority of that time flying. He started off working on B52's in the early 70's then became a pilot in the late 70's. Then in the 80s and early 90's he switched over a communication plane (I think was a E-6 Mercury). Anyway, due to all his flying and TDY's we moved every 4 years. Growing up I have spent Thanksgiving or a Christmas at a military base in a chow hall! My Mother grew up a military brat then married military. A fun story is when my Dad retired in 1992, at the ceremony the General who retired my father brought my mom on stage and announced that she was in the military longer then anyone in the room as she was born into it. He actually retired my mom as well and thanked her. It was a great experience a talked about at the party afterwards. I was mostly a good kid growing but in school while I was in advance math and English but rarely applied myself. That said, I was getting nightly calls my senior year from military recruiters. Now I come from a military family, Dad, uncles and cousins. Growing up, I liked my uncle who was an Army Ranger and I looked up to him. As highschooler I remember asking him if could start over, what branch would he go into. He always said if he started over he would go Marines! I asked him why? And would say they also had their sh&t together! He enjoyed working with them and new many guys in all the fields. So back to me in high school, the marines called me a lot and I had little direction so I was leaning joining the Marines in 1990! So one day my Dad who was a Lieutenant Colonel, sat me down and said he would not push me to join one branch or another but if I decided to join he asked if he could come with me! He said he would put on his Blues and come with me to talk to a recruiter. Back in those days I guess recruiters would tell you one thing but could lead to something else. Regardless, I agreed. One day after Graduation, not working with no direction I talked to my Dad and told him I had some friends that joined the Army but that I wanted to join the Marines. So we made a date to go. The day came and he dressed up in his Blues and we drove down to the local Marine recruiter's office! I remember I was nervous but I remember we parked, walked up some wood stairs, got to the door and it was locked. There was a sign on the door "Out to lunch back at 1pm". We turned around, went back the car, and I never went back!

I am blessed to say that I was raised by my mom and dad who have been married over 50 years. I am proud to say my wife was also raised by her mom and day who were high school sweethearts. They were married over 40 years when her Dad unexpectedly passed away. I grew up as a military brat. Moved every 4 years while my wife was born and raised in Colorado Springs. When I was a kid I hated moving, I had to move after going to 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade where I made my closed friends and had to start 10th grade in a new state and school. It was tough but I wouldn't change it for anything due to all the friends I made over the years. In the future I plan to be a strong welder. I am changing careers and attending school at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) and I am working on getting my certifications. I just completed Fall semester and I am getting one of them now. I plan to get the second certification at the end of Spring 2026. I am plan on not stopping there, I will continue to learn as much as I can while I can. I want to learn welding because it offers both practical skills and creative freedom. Welding is an essential trade that opens up a variety of career opportunities, from construction to manufacturing and even art. I’m drawn to the idea of being able to work with different metals and materials to create something both functional and aesthetically unique. It’s a hands-on skill that requires precision, focus, and problem-solving, all of which appeal to me. Moreover, welding is a versatile skill that can be applied in many different areas. Whether it's repairing machinery, building structures, or designing sculptures, the possibilities are endless. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing I’ve built something with my own hands. On a personal level, I’m excited about the challenge of learning a new craft, especially one that involves such a blend of technical knowledge and creativity. Finally, welding has a strong sense of community in both professional and hobbyist circles. The idea of joining a network of like-minded people, sharing ideas, and learning from others adds to my motivation. Welding is not only a useful skill but also a path to self-expression, innovation, and a deeper understanding of materials and their potential.

I was shocked to see a scholarship like this! I can honestly say that I am closet stamp collector. I have been collecting stamps for 40 years. I really got into it about 25 years ago, but admit I did drift out of this. I have never shared this story, but I got into Stamps because of my grandfather! I am proud to say that he was so into stamps that he was named in a stamp almanac many years ago for his extensive collection. His name is Edward J Dormer and before he passed he sold his collection. I don't know exactly for how much as it was 20 years ago but I know it was in the six figures. When I was a kid growing up, my grandfather would give me cards of stamps some holding a dozen stamps and it is safe to say I have maybe a dozen cards that I have collected over the years. One day a few years ago, I went though every stamp and looked up what they were worth. It took me a few days to complete and I think I might do that again in the near future. This is fun to talk about. To answer your first question, I have spent over 20 years in IT. I have been laid off 7x while many of my friends have retired from companies that I worked at 20 years ago and it is painful when I congratulate them. They got lucky they didn't get laid off like I did. This has lead to the fact that I have nothing to show for my hard work. I have no 401k, pension or retirement. So after this last layoff I decided to make a career change. I wasted over 20 years in IT, pushing myself in highly stressful situations where at the end I have nothing to show for the work I did. I guess that is my own fault but the fact that I have been laid off 7x means I have no pension, 401k, stock or any other retirement. I am blessed to have friends in the trades. Over the years I have done residential painting, framing and plumbing. However, I have had the most fun and really enjoy welding. I am currently going to PPSC and working on getting my certificates. I finished my MIG training this Fall and got that certificate, now I am working on my Stick welding and plan to get that certificate at the end of Spring 2025. I want to learn welding because it offers both practical skills and creative freedom. Welding is an essential trade that opens up a variety of career opportunities, from construction to manufacturing and even art. I’m drawn to the idea of being able to work with different metals and materials to create something both functional and aesthetically unique. It’s a hands-on skill that requires precision, focus, and problem-solving, all of which appeal to me. I never stop learning and work to learn something new everyday. Moreover, welding is a versatile skill that can be applied in many different areas. Whether it's repairing machinery, building structures, or designing sculptures, the possibilities are endless. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing I’ve built something with my own hands. On a personal level, I’m excited about the challenge of learning a new craft, especially one that involves such a blend of technical knowledge and creativity. I look forward to day I can drive around town with my family and say 'I worked on that bridge, building, gate, or handrail'!

I wasted over 20 years in IT, pushing myself in highly stressful situations where at the end I have nothing to show for the work I did. I guess that is my own fault but the fact that I have been laid off 7x means I have no pension, 401k, stock or any other retirement. Enough of that, I am proud to say I am making a career change. I am blessed to have friends in the trades. Over the years I have done residential painting, framing and plumbing. However, I have had the most fun and really enjoy welding. I am currently going to PPSC and working on getting my certificates. I finished my MIG training this Fall and got that certificate, now I am working on my Stick welding and plan to get that certificate at the end of Spring 2025. I am working on w2 right now for a long time friend that owns a successful welding company here in Colorado Springs. I am truly grateful for this opportunity as I get hood time welding and lately lots of construction training. I never stop learning and work to learn something new everyday. I want to learn welding because it offers both practical skills and creative freedom. Welding is an essential trade that opens up a variety of career opportunities, from construction to manufacturing and even art. I’m drawn to the idea of being able to work with different metals and materials to create something both functional and aesthetically unique. It’s a hands-on skill that requires precision, focus, and problem-solving, all of which appeal to me. Moreover, welding is a versatile skill that can be applied in many different areas. Whether it's repairing machinery, building structures, or designing sculptures, the possibilities are endless. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing I’ve built something with my own hands. On a personal level, I’m excited about the challenge of learning a new craft, especially one that involves such a blend of technical knowledge and creativity. I look forward to day I can drive around town with my family and say 'I worked on that bridge, building, gate, or handrail'! Finally, welding has a strong sense of community in both professional and hobbyist circles. The idea of joining a network of like-minded people, sharing ideas, and learning from others adds to my motivation. Welding is not only a useful skill but also a path to self-expression, innovation, and a deeper understanding of materials and their potential.

I wasted over 20 years in IT, pushing myself in highly stressful situations where at the end I have nothing to show for the work I did. I guess that is my own fault but the fact that I have laid off 7x means, I have no pension, 401k, stock or any other retirement. Enough of that, I am making a career change. I am blessed to have friends in the trades. Over the years I have done residential painting, framing and plumbing. However, I have had the most fun and really enjoy welding. I am currently going to PPSC and working on getting my certificates. I finished my MIG training and got that certificate, now I am working on my Stick welding and plan to get that certificate at the end of Spring 2025. I am working on w2 right now for a long time friend that owns a successful welding company here in Colorado Springs. I am truly grateful for this opportunity as I get hood time welding and lately lots of construction training. I never stop learning and work to learn something new everyday. I want to learn welding because it offers both practical skills and creative freedom. Welding is an essential trade that opens up a variety of career opportunities, from construction to manufacturing and even art. I’m drawn to the idea of being able to work with different metals and materials to create something both functional and aesthetically unique. It’s a hands-on skill that requires precision, focus, and problem-solving, all of which appeal to me. Moreover, welding is a versatile skill that can be applied in many different areas. Whether it's repairing machinery, building structures, or designing sculptures, the possibilities are endless. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing I’ve built something with my own hands. On a personal level, I’m excited about the challenge of learning a new craft, especially one that involves such a blend of technical knowledge and creativity. I look forward to day I can drive around town with my family and say 'I worked on that bridge, building, gate, or handrail'! Finally, welding has a strong sense of community in both professional and hobbyist circles. The idea of joining a network of like-minded people, sharing ideas, and learning from others adds to my motivation. Welding is not only a useful skill but also a path to self-expression, innovation, and a deeper understanding of materials and their potential.

For the past 20 plus years I have worked in IT, I wish I could say I did it all at one company but I have been laid off 7x so I have worked for many companies. That said, I have no pension, no retirement, no stock options. So I have many friends in the trades and I one of those looking to change careers and I am interested in Welding. I am doing everything I can to learn as much as I can. I am currently going to Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) and working on getting my certificates. I just completed my MIG training and got my first certificate! At the end of Spring 2026 I plan to get my stick welding certificate! I am not going to end there, but those two are my main goal at this time. I am currently working on W2 for ProRanch Welding which is owed by a long time friend of mine, while I am unemployed from IT. I am grateful for my welding friends as they have supported me on so many levels. Not just the job but more importantly in welding and construction. I have done house painting, framing and plumbing, but why did I chose welding? Easy, I love working outdoors, I love building something. I want to be able to drive around town with my family and say I helped build that bridge, building, gate, handrail, etc. I want to learn welding because it offers both practical skills and creative freedom. Welding is an essential trade that opens up a variety of career opportunities, from construction to manufacturing and even art. I’m drawn to the idea of being able to work with different metals and materials to create something both functional and aesthetically unique. It’s a hands-on skill that requires precision, focus, and problem-solving, all of which appeal to me. Moreover, welding is a versatile skill that can be applied in many different areas. Whether it's repairing machinery, building structures, or designing sculptures, the possibilities are endless. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing I’ve built something with my own hands. On a personal level, I’m excited about the challenge of learning a new craft, especially one that involves such a blend of technical knowledge and creativity. Welding has a strong sense of community in both professional and hobbyist circles. The idea of joining a network of like-minded people, sharing ideas, and learning from others adds to my motivation. Welding is not only a useful skill but also a path to self-expression, innovation, and a deeper understanding of materials and their potential.

Welding is one of the most important trades in today’s world because it provides the foundation for building, repairing, and maintaining the structures and machinery that keep our society running. From skyscrapers and bridges to ships, pipelines, and automobiles, welding plays a critical role in nearly every industry. Without skilled welders, many of the modern conveniences and infrastructures we rely on each day would not exist. The importance of welding goes far beyond just joining metal together—it is about ensuring strength, safety, and durability in the products and structures that people depend on daily. A strong weld can mean the difference between safety and disaster, making this trade not only valuable but also essential to public well-being. Welding is important to me because it is more than just a trade; it is a skill that builds the world we live in and offers me the chance to create something lasting with my own hands. From buildings and bridges to vehicles and pipelines, welding is the backbone of so many industries, and knowing I can play a part in shaping and maintaining those structures motivates me to take this career path seriously. I have always been drawn to work that allows me to see tangible results, and welding gives me that satisfaction while also challenging me to master a craft that requires both precision and dedication. Going to welding school at PPSC in Colorado Springs, CO is an essential step for me because I want to learn the right way from the beginning. Welding requires more than natural ability—it demands training, discipline, and a solid understanding of safety, metals, and techniques. School will provide me with the opportunity to practice under the guidance of experienced instructors, learn different processes like MIG, TIG, and stick welding, and develop the confidence to perform quality work in any situation. I know this education will give me the foundation I need to start my career with strong skills and good habits that will carry me far. Another reason I value welding school is that it creates opportunities for growth. With formal training and certifications, I will be able to pursue jobs in different industries such as construction, manufacturing, or even specialized areas like underwater or aerospace welding. I am not only looking for a job but for a career that will provide stability and allow me to build a future for myself and my family. Completing welding school will set me apart from others in the field and open the doors to higher-paying, more rewarding positions. Most importantly, welding school represents my commitment to something I am passionate about. Welding is both a technical skill and an art, and I take pride in the idea of mastering it. By going through training, I am proving to myself that I am willing to put in the time, effort, and discipline to succeed. For me, welding is not just about joining metal together—it’s about building a life with purpose, creating work I can be proud of, and contributing to something bigger than myself.

I am passionate about welding and excited to attend welding school at PPSC in Colorado Springs, because it offers me the opportunity to work with my hands and create something tangible every day. I enjoy seeing the immediate results of my efforts, whether it is repairing, fabricating, or building something new, and welding gives me that satisfaction. Another reason is the challenge welding presents; it requires precision, focus, and constant learning, which keeps me motivated to improve my skills. I also value welding because it provides a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities in many industries, from construction to manufacturing, which allows me to build a strong future for myself. Finally, I am drawn to welding because it is an art as much as it is a trade, and being able to combine creativity with technical skill gives me pride in the work I do and inspires me to keep learning. As for my future plans after I achieve my certifications have been outlined in my business plan. I am fortunate enough to have to successful welders who are longtime friends and my mentors! I have already discussed subbing work from them while starting my own company to work on trailers, fences, heavy equipment, or commercial work with garages, bridges and buildings. I am attending PPSC for my welding experience because they offer me certifications that I will use to secure my future in welding. My game plan is to have my MIG and STICK certificates by the end of Spring 2025. I have been in IT for over 20 years and I have nothing to show for it. I have been laid off in one form another 6 times during my career and 3 of those my position or team was off-shored to another country. I have no 401k or pension. I have worked in government and commercial companies. I have worked for start-up companies and fortune 500 companies. I do have an MBA and a good head for business. My mentors believe that I will be successful in the welding field as I have a long history of working with people and helping when and where I can. Case in point I was a Colorado EMT for 6 years and have plenty of stories I can share. I am taking this opportunity to start over. I am learning a trade in welding because I enjoy the experience every time I weld. I am tracking all my work that I have completed as well as my school experience and I hope to start a blog where others thinking about welding can see and learn about.

I am passionate about welding and excited to attend welding school at PPSC in Colorado Springs, because it offers me the opportunity to work with my hands and create something tangible every day. I enjoy seeing the immediate results of my efforts, whether it is repairing, fabricating, or building something new, and welding gives me that satisfaction. Another reason is the challenge welding presents; it requires precision, focus, and constant learning, which keeps me motivated to improve my skills. I also value welding because it provides a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities in many industries, from construction to manufacturing, which allows me to build a strong future for myself. Finally, I am drawn to welding because it is an art as much as it is a trade, and being able to combine creativity with technical skill gives me pride in the work I do and inspires me to keep learning. As for my future plans after I achieve my certifications have been outlined in my business plan. I am fortunate enough to have to successful welders who are longtime friends and my mentors! I have already discussed subbing work from them while starting my own company to work on trailers, fences, heavy equipment, or commercial work with garages, bridges and buildings. I am attending PPSC for my welding experience because they offer me certifications that I will use to secure my future in welding. My game plan is to have my MIG and STICK certificates by the end of Spring 2025. I have been in IT for over 20 years and I have nothing to show for it. I have been laid off in one form another 6 times during my career and 3 of those my position or team was off-shored to another country. I have no 401k or pension. I have worked in government and commercial companies. I have worked for start-up companies and fortune 500 companies. I do have an MBA and a good head for business. My mentors believe that I will be successful in the welding field as I have a long history of working with people and helping when and where I can. Case in point I was a Colorado EMT for 6 years and have plenty of stories I can share. I am taking this opportunity to start over. I am learning a trade in welding because I enjoy the experience every time I weld. I am tracking all my work that I have completed as well as my school experience and I hope to start a blog where others thinking about welding can see and learn about.

Community service, at its core, means contributing to the well-being of those around you by offering your time, skills, and resources to make a positive impact. For me, community service isn’t just about fulfilling a requirement or obligation—it’s about creating meaningful change and supporting others in a way that helps them thrive. It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and using what you have to make their lives better, even if in small ways. In the past I volunteered to save the boy's wrestling program at Immanuel Lutheran School when they had no coach and almost had to cancel the program. I had first grade through 8th grade boys. It was an amazing experience. After I became a Colorado EMT. I could share a dozen stories. Most recently is my passion for welding. In the context of welding, giving back to the community can take on a unique and hands-on role. Welding is a powerful skill, and it has the potential to create lasting value for individuals and the community. For example, I could contribute by volunteering to teach welding skills to young people or adults who may not have access to technical education. By sharing this trade, I could help others build the skills they need to secure stable jobs or pursue careers in manufacturing, construction, or other skilled trades that are in high demand. Additionally, there are numerous ways to use welding to improve the physical infrastructure of the community. I could help local schools, non-profits, or community centers by volunteering to repair or create metal structures—whether it’s building benches, gates, or safety barriers for public spaces, or repairing equipment used by Schools that rely on them to function. Every welded piece can enhance safety, functionality, and beauty in the community. Another way I could give back is by participating in collaborative projects with local artists or businesses. Welding can be used to create public art installations, sculptures, or functional designs that beautify and bring a sense of pride to a community. Whether it’s creating a mural frame for a local artist or working on larger community beautification projects, welding can provide both aesthetic value and community spirit. Ultimately, giving back through welding means using the skill I’ve developed to lift up others. It’s not just about making things, it’s about making a difference—whether by teaching someone a valuable trade, creating something that serves a practical need, or contributing to a community project that brings people together. I believe that through hands-on work like welding, I can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and help build a stronger, more connected community.

I spent the last 20 plus years in IT and I have nothing to show for it. I have been laid off 6 times and 3 of those my position was off-shored. It is fair to say that I have no retirement, no six figure 401k, no pension. I am starting over in life at mid life and hope to put in ten to fifteen years of welding. I am blessed to say I have many welding friends. I am currently going to Pikes Peak State College and just completed the summer program in MIG Welding and Welding Safety. I am signed up in the Fall for blue print reading for welders, Advanced MIG and Stick 1. I will be completing my MIG training and get that certificate. I will be completing my Stick welding at the end of Spring 2026. Once I get my certifications I can start my business. Now, let me say, I have many welding friends that are very successful I am lucky enough to work and train with them. They are getting so big and busy that they are looking to get their general contracting licenses and starting a new company. They tell me weekly that they have work that they could sub out to me! Last week was work on a guys trailer. Unfortunately I am not able to take those jobs yet. I have put together a business plan so that once I am certified I can build my company, which I plan to start summer 2026. My hope is that I will start with welds that are on fences, trailers, plows, dumpster gates, etc. I am not sure I will be getting into fabrication work as I am not that creative and I won't have the shop to work in. They also give me business advice for everything about finding work, writing contracts, to welding techniques. I am lucky that my friend has a workshop on his property and I am able to work or support him in his shop. Also he lets me get coupons to practice on to help in school! In addition to my technical abilities, I will be bringing a willingness to learn. Construction sites are fast-changing environments, and I’m comfortable adjusting to new situations, tools, and methods. I see every project as a chance to improve and every challenge as an opportunity to grow. My attention to detail ensures that my work meets exact specifications, and my commitment to safety means I protect not only myself but also my fellow workers.

I want to join the Ironworkers Union because I believe in being part of a team that values skill, safety, and craftsmanship. As a welder, I’ve always taken pride in building work that lasts, and the Ironworkers represent some of the best in the trade. The union offers more than just a job—it offers a career path where hard work is rewarded, skills are continually developed, and every member has the opportunity to grow. I’m drawn to the organization within the Ironworkers, where members look out for each other, share knowledge, and uphold the highest standards in the industry. I’m also motivated by the training and certification opportunities the industry provides. In this trade, technology and techniques are always evolving. Being part of the Ironworkers will allow me to expand my welding skills, learn advanced rigging, and gain exposure to structural steel erection and other specialized tasks. This not only makes me a more capable tradesperson, but also increases my value to employers. The benefits of union membership—fair wages, health coverage, retirement plans, and strong workplace protections—will allow me to focus fully on my craft without the constant uncertainty. The Ironworkers will benefit me by providing the structure, resources, and support network needed to reach my full potential. With access to quality training programs, I can sharpen my existing welding skills while learning new techniques, such as flux-core and MIG welding for structural applications. I’ll also gain valuable experience working in high-skill areas like reinforcing, curtain wall installation, and ornamental work. Being surrounded by experienced journeymen will push me to higher standards and help me build a career that is both stable and fulfilling. I believe I bring a set of strengths that will contribute to the success of the Ironworkers. First, I have a strong work ethic. I understand that this trade demands long hours, physical endurance, and precision under challenging conditions. I take pride in showing up on time, staying focused, and delivering quality results. Second, I have a solid welding background, with experience in multiple welding processes and a strong understanding of reading blueprints, safety procedures, and material preparation. Third, I’m a team player. I know that on a jobsite, communication and cooperation are just as important as individual skill. I work well alongside others, respect the chain of command, and contribute to a safe, efficient work environment. In addition to my technical abilities, I bring adaptability and a willingness to learn. Construction sites are fast-changing environments, and I’m comfortable adjusting to new situations, tools, and methods. I see every project as a chance to improve and every challenge as an opportunity to grow. My attention to detail ensures that my work meets exact specifications, and my commitment to safety means I protect not only myself but also my fellow workers. Joining the Ironworkers Union is more than just finding a place to work—it’s becoming part of a respected tradition. I’m ready to bring my skills, dedication, and teamwork to the union while taking advantage of the opportunities it offers to become the best tradesperson I can be.

I have spent the last 20 years in IT and I have nothing to show for it. In addition I have not had the opportunity to use my MBA. I have been around construction in one fashion or another however, I have always enjoyed working with my welding buddies. They do everything from parking lot garages and bridges to repairs for trailers and heavy equipment. What fascinates me is the fabrication of everything from gates, to hand rails! Working with my welding friends has sparked my interest in getting my certifications in welding at PPSC in Colorado Springs. I have the next 1.5 years mapped out with what I want to accomplish (MIG, Stick, TIG). Welding offers a promising future for those who choose to pursue it, and I see myself thriving in this field for several reasons. First, welding is an essential skill in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and even renewable energy. As infrastructure continues to grow and new technologies emerge, the demand for skilled welders will remain strong. The versatility of welding—whether it's joining metals for large-scale construction projects or working on intricate machinery—provides countless opportunities to work across various sectors. Moreover, welding offers job security and stability which is more then I can say for IT as I have been laid off 5 times, 3 of those my position was off shored. The construction and manufacturing sectors, in particular, are unlikely to diminish in the foreseeable future, and these industries rely heavily on welding for the creation of durable products and structures. As the world transitions towards sustainability, welding is also critical in renewable energy projects, such as wind turbines and solar panel systems. This integration of new technology and innovation into traditional welding practices adds to the field's long-term appeal. Another reason I see a future in welding is the opportunity for continual growth and specialization. Welding isn’t just about basic techniques—there are various processes like TIG, MIG, and Stick welding, each requiring specialized knowledge and skill. As I gain more experience, I can pursue certifications like the ones I am getting at PPSC, and even branch into roles like welding inspection, teaching, or fabrication design. This ability to grow within the field excites me, as it ensures that no two days will be the same. Welding also offers a level of hands-on satisfaction. Having the ability to say I built that or I repaired that is fulfilling. Additionally, as welding technology continues to evolve with automation and robotics which I read about in AWS magazines, I find the integration of these advancements intriguing. Being at the forefront of such changes promises a dynamic career in craftsmanship with modern innovation, allowing me to be part of shaping the future of the industry.

Welding has always fascinated me, not only because of the skill it requires but also because of the tangible impact it has on the world around us. From skyscrapers to bridges, and from automotive manufacturing to aerospace, welding is the backbone of industries that shape modern life. As someone who enjoys working with my hands, problem-solving, and creating something from raw materials, welding is the perfect career for me. It combines art with engineering, precision with creativity, and offers countless opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement. This is why I am determined to pursue a career in welding and why receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my dreams. I have always been drawn to the process of making things. Whether it was fixing broken equipment, building furniture, or learning about metalworking, I found joy in the act of creation. Welding is a natural extension of this passion. Unlike other trades, welding allows me to manipulate metal at both a macro and micro level, bringing raw materials to life and forming structures that can endure for generations. I want to specialize in a personal business, where I can work on large-scale projects such as fences, bridges, or parking garages that make a tangible difference in society. The possibility of working in industries like construction, energy, or even aerospace excites me, as these fields rely heavily on skilled welders to create durable, high-quality products. Where I live there are government and private companies looking for welders. However, becoming proficient in welding requires more than just passion; it requires education, training, and access to advanced resources. This is where the scholarship comes in. With this financial support, I will be able to attend a reputable welding program that PPSC offers with hands-on training and instruction from industry professionals. The cost of equipment, tools, and training can be prohibitive, and this scholarship would ease the financial burden, allowing me to focus on honing my craft rather than worrying about expenses. It would also enable me to gain certification in various welding techniques, which is essential for advancing in this field. Moreover, this scholarship would help me develop the skills necessary to excel in welding while providing opportunities to connect with other aspiring professionals and mentors. Networking with individuals who have years of experience in the trade would give me invaluable insight and guidance, helping me navigate my career path more effectively. Ultimately, this scholarship will provide the foundation I need to turn my passion for welding into a successful career. In conclusion, I am eager to pursue a career in welding because it allows me to combine my love for craftsmanship with the opportunity to contribute to industries that shape our world. This scholarship will provide me with the resources, training, and networking opportunities necessary to achieve my dream of becoming a skilled welder, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to make this dream a reality.