Careers in Welding Mobile Experience
Explore a Career in Welding
Explore a Career in Welding
Step into the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience, presented by the AWS Foundation and sponsored by Lincoln Electric. This nationwide mobile exhibit has been touring since 2011, showcasing the diverse and lucrative opportunities in welding through interactive and cutting-edge VRTEX virtual welding machines. Participants can engage in virtual welding contests to win scholarships and explore career pathways. Ideal for those interested in a dynamic, high-demand trade. Discover how welding offers excellent career opportunities.
SPONSORED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
SPONSORED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
The Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is presented by the AWS Foundation and co-sponsored by Lincoln Electric Company and BlueForge Alliance on behalf of BuildSubmarines.com. Together, we’re raising awareness of the important role welding plays in building and sustaining submarines—and the many careers in welding available in the military and defense sectors.
Featured Exhibits
Featured Exhibits
Lincoln Electric VRTEX 360 Welders
The five VRTEX 360 welders are the mobile exhibit's main attraction. These virtual welders allow visitors to jump into welding. The sights, sounds, and real-world environments create an immersive experience which shows participants what welding is all about.
Help Build the Navy’s Next Generation of Submarines
The Navy projects a need for more than 140,000 skilled workers over the next decade to build new submarines and maintain the fleet. Through this partnership, attendees can explore real-world welding roles that keep America’s submarine fleet mission-ready—highlighting welding as a powerful way to serve the country and build a stable, in-demand career
Pressure Vessel and Welding Coupons
The mobile exhibit's pressure vessel and six welding coupons show how welding is used in everyday applications. The pressure vessel was welded using multiple processes and positions. The coupons were welded in multiple positions.
Career pathways and scholarships
Career pathways and scholarships
Why welding?
Welding offers great pay, hands-on work, and the chance to build things that matter. With more than 330,000 welding professionals needed in the coming years, the industry is growing fast. The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is one of the many ways we’re helping students and adults find their future in welding.
The Welding Career Pathway showcases the many professions and opportunities available within the welding industry. Salary, education, and experience indicators are just a few items reflected within each exhibited career.
AWS has an extensive scholarship program for those interested in taking the next step towards a career in welding. Explore the ways that AWS can help you achieve your career goals.
Bring the Mobile Experience to Your School or Event
Want to inspire the next generation of welders?
Bring the AWS Welding Mobile Experience to your next event, campus, or community gathering! It’s perfect for:
- High schools, trade schools, and CTE programs
- State fairs and career expos
- Workforce development events
- Community festivals
This immersive experience makes welding exciting and accessible—and sparks real conversations about job training and welding career opportunities.
TOUR DATES AND LOCATIONS
The AWS Careers in Welding mobile experience is hitting the road again in 2025!
As a driving force in welding education and career development, the trailer offers immersive, hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences designed to spark interest and excitement in welding careers. Don’t miss your chance to experience the world of welding up close!
Ohio State Fair
July 24-27, 2025 | Columbus, OH
Buckle up, Buckeyes—The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is rolling into the Ohio State Fair! Step inside our 53-foot trailer to try virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and discover how welding powers everything from roller coasters to nuclear submarines. No experience needed—and daily top scorers win a $1,000 scholarship. Plus, explore welding career paths in national defense and the skilled trades with insights from BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com.
Iowa State Fair
August 7-10, 2025 | Des Moines, IA
Butter cows, corn dogs, and...welding? You bet! Don’t miss the AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience at the Iowa State Fair! Step into our 53-foot trailer to try virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and find out how welding builds everything from grain silos to submarines. No prior experience is needed—and we’re giving away a $1,000 scholarship to the top scorer each day. Learn about welding careers in national defense and the skilled trades from BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com.
PBR Nashville Stampede Days
August 15-17, 2025 | Nashville, TN
Yeehaw meets MIG weld from August 15-17, 2025! The Careers in Welding trailer is pulling into Music City during Stampede Days! Between the bulls and BBQ, stop by and try your hand at virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and explore how welding supports everything from rodeo arenas to advanced defense systems. No experience necessary—and each day’s top scorer wins a $1,000 scholarship. Want to know where welding can take you? BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com are here to help you explore careers in the trades and national defense.
Minnesota State Fair
August 28 - September 1, 2025 | St. Paul, MN
The Great Minnesota Get-Together just got hotter. The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is popping up at the Minnesota State Fair to offer fairgoers a hands-on intro to one of the country's most in-demand trades. Inside our 53-foot trailer, you can try your hand at virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and learn how welding supports everything from skyscrapers to submarines. No experience needed—and daily top scorers walk away with a $1,000 scholarship. BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com will also show welding careers in military and national defense.
FABTECH 2025
September 8-11, 2025 | Chicago, IL
FABTECH 2025 is the perfect place to explore the future of manufacturing—and the AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is right in the middle of it all. Climb aboard to test your skills on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator, then learn how welding is advancing everything from consumer tech to military. BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com exhibit welding careers in national defense. Scholarships and sparks guaranteed (Okay, just virtual sparks.). Top virtual welders win a $1,000 scholarship each day.
OSU Farm Science Review
September 16-18, 2025 | London, OH
Farming and fabrication go hand in hand—and we're bringing the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience to the OSU Farm Science Review to prove it. Learn how welding keeps military and national defense running with BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com. Try your hand at virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and discover how welding powers agriculture, infrastructure, and other rural industries. Each day’s top scorer takes home a $1,000 scholarship.
The Utility Expo
October 7-9, 2025 | Louisville, KY
Big machines, big ideas—and big welding opportunities. The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is powering up The Utility Expo! Stop by our 53-foot trailer to try virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and see how welding connects the grid—from heavy equipment to military hardware. No experience needed—and the top scorer each day wins a $1,000 scholarship. BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com will also be on hand to share how welding supports careers in national defense and the trades.
SunBelt Ag Expo
October 14-16, 2025 | Moultrie, GA
The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is rolling into the SunBelt Ag Expo! Try your hand at virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and learn how welding supports modern agriculture, manufacturing, and national security. No experience required—and the top scorer each day wins a $1,000 scholarship. Talk with BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com about the many welding careers available in national defense and the skilled trades.
FFA National Convention & Expo
October 29 - November 1, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN
Future Farmers–and Future Fabricators–of America unite! The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is back at the FFA National Convention & Expo! Step inside our 53-foot trailer to try virtual welding on Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® 360 simulator and explore how welding is shaping the future of farming, industry, and defense. No experience needed—and each day’s top scorer earns a $1,000 scholarship. BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com will also be on hand to help you discover welding careers in the trades and national defense.
Mobile Experience Tour Map
Volunteer on the Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit
Volunteer on the Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit
Be a part of a nationwide effort to inspire future welders. Volunteers of all backgrounds—students, professionals, enthusiasts–are welcome to guide visitors, operate VRTEX Welding Machines, and share the welding world with the public. In return, enjoy perks like event access, meals, parking, and the chance to win a welding helmet. Ready to make a difference? Check the calendar above and sign up at your preferred event.
AWS Careers in Welding Top Score Scholarship Challenge
AWS Careers in Welding Top Score Scholarship Challenge
Turn your welding skills into scholarship dollars!
Compete in our daily challenge using the VRTEX virtual welders at any tour stop. The participant with the highest score each day wins a $1,000 scholarship towards welding school. It's your chance to showcase your skills and invest in your future!