Welding Digest

Through its Future Fabricators program, ESAB has donated welding and cutting equipment with an approximate retail value of $23,000 to support the Welding Technology Program at Hanover High School, Hanover, Penn. The equipment included five Rebel EMP 205ic AC/DC multi-process and five Rebel 285ic 120v-230v 1ph welding machines and carts, a manual plasma cutter, five Sentinel helmets, and 10 Savage A40 helmets. ESAB’s Hanover facility was established in 1968 and employs more than 250 people between its welding filler metal production facility and training center.

“ESAB has collaborated with Hanover High School for many years to support workforce development needs in the Hanover community. Our most recent welding and cutting equipment donation ensures that students will be able to develop their skills using the types of welding and fabrication technologies that they will find in the industry,” says Eleanor Lukens, ESAB President of the Americas. “There are many career pathways available in welding. By working with schools and students through the ESAB Future Fabricators Program, we are supporting a workforce that is better prepared to pursue careers in manufacturing- and fabrication-related programs.”

Lukens notes that welding careers are in high demand. According to the American Welding Society welding workforce data, U.S. industry needs 330,000 new welding professionals by 2028.

The Welding Technology Program at Hanover High School is a Pennsylvania Department of Education - Career and Technical Education Approved Program.  Students enrolled in the program complete 720-hours of welding instruction during their 11th and 12th grade years. This includes hands-on welding in a welding lab with 10 booths, as well as theory-based instruction in the classroom. Students who are proficient or advanced can earn a NOCTI Certification (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute). In the 2023-2024 school year, 18 students were enrolled in the NOCTI program. In addition, 92 students were enrolled in Hanover High School’s Metals I, Metals II, and Metals III classes. These elective courses are typically taken by students in the 9th and 10th grade so they can gain experience.  

“In addition to the donation of new machines, we are grateful for our partnership with ESAB for allowing our students to meet with individuals from the company to expand their knowledge and experiences,” says Dr. John A. Scola, Superintendent, Hanover Public School District l. “By connecting with ESAB, they gain a broader understanding of the many career pathways that exist within the company. We have had the opportunity to tour the facilities and have individuals from the company visit our labs to work with students.  We truly value this partnership as a district, as well as members of the Hanover community.”