ESAB is partnering with Northern Tool + Equipment’s Tools for the Trades program to further welding training in high schools. ESAB announced the partnership as it donated welding and cutting tools to Lecanto High School in Lecanto, Florida.
Also appearing at the event was Tools for the Trades partner Ronnie Renner, a 10-time gold medal winner in the X Games Moto X Step Up jump event. Renner, who is currently learning to weld, rode his motorcycle into the shop class, met the students, and performed stunts outside. Renner was born in Florida and now lives in nearby Floral City.
“My dad pushed me to learn the skills needed to work on my own bikes,” Renner told students. “I hope I inspire you today and you leave here feeling great about exploring the trades and proud of being able to work with your hands.”
Northern Tool + Equipment also donated professional-grade tools to the high school. ESAB and Northern Tool + Equipment plan to donate equipment to more high schools during the year. The names of the schools selected will be announced throughout 2023. ESAB anticipates its partnership with Tools for the Trade will continue beyond 2023 and will benefit schools across the United States, according to the company.
ESAB donated a Rebel EMP 215ic multi-process welder, a HandyPlasma 25i manual plasma cutter, three Swarm A30 auto darkening welding helmets, a Victor G-150 Portable Tote for oxy-acetylene cutting and welding, and 40 pounds each of Sureweld 6010 and Sureweld 7018 Stick electrodes.
“ESAB offers welding and cutting equipment well suited for every type of educational institution, from high schools to four-year welding engineering programs,” said Ashish Jani, VP of marketing for ESAB, in a statement. “For example, the Rebel welder we donated will enable Lecanto High School students to learn the MIG, Stick, and TIG welding processes. Rebel features a graphical control panel that students will find similar to a smart phone. There are functions that help students learn to weld faster, as well as help them learn about the types of welding controls they will find out in industry.”
During the event, Jani said:
“ESAB is pleased to recognize National Welding month with our support for the Tools for the Trade program because skills such as welding open the door to a multitude of fulfilling, diverse, and financially rewarding careers. Welding careers are great for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, want to express themselves artistically, dream of starting their own business or who want to make a good income without a lot of school debt. And according to the American Welding Society’s Welding Workforce Data website, the United States will need 360,000 new welding professionals by 2027.”
In a statement, Renner said:
“This is just cool to see these kids checking out the welding equipment, the smiles on their face and knowing that it makes a difference in people’s lives is cool. I’m a dad, and I see in the evolution of my own kids how important the trades are. And then to come here to and see kids that are actually psyched about and to be able to hook them up—I’m here for it, baby.”
Source: ESAB
