Dear Section Members,
This Friday, May 1, 2026, the top twelve Metal Fabrication and Welding students will compete at the Massachusetts SkillsUSA welding competition at Blackstone Valley Technical High School.
The judges panel will feature strong AWS representation! District 1 Director Tim Kinnaman, Boston Section Chair Tom Ferri, and five other AWS members will lend their expertise in scoring the projects throughout the day.
During the competition, students will be tested on Oxy Fuel cutting, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes. The winner will then represent Massachusetts at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia from June 1–5, 2026.
Massachusetts’ 28 technical high schools are actively training the next generation of welders for the workforce! AWS Boston section members looking to get involved are encouraged to connect with schools in their area by joining advisory committees, lending their voice, and helping shape the next generation of welders right here in Massachusetts.
For more information on how to get more involved in your welding community, please feel free to reach out to Tom Ferri, taferri@comcast.net.
Tom Ferri
Welding Consultant and Inspection Services
AWS Boston Chairman