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Careers in Welding Mobile Experience:
Explore a Career in Welding
Step Into the Future of the Trade
Step Into the Future of the Trade
Discover hands-on welding experiences and high-demand career paths.
Presented by the AWS Foundation and sponsored by Lincoln Electric, our 53-foot double-expandable trailer is a nationwide center of innovation. Since 2011, we have showcased the diverse, lucrative opportunities in the welding industry through interactive and cutting-edge VRTEX® virtual welding technology.
Whether you are a student seeking a high-demand trade or an adult looking for a dynamic career change, discover how welding offers a pathway to excellence.
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.
tour dates & locations
tour dates & locations
The AWS Careers in Welding mobile experience travels nationwide yearly, bringing welding education to communities.
As a driving force in welding education and career development, the trailer features immersive, hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences designed to spark interest and excitement in welding careers.
Stay tuned for upcoming tour dates and locations, and don’t miss your chance to experience the world of welding up close!
L.A. FLEET WEEK
L.A. FLEET WEEK
May 22-25, 2026 | San Pedro, CA
Ahoy, L.A.!
The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is docking during L.A. Fleet Week 2026.
You can step aboard a 53-foot trailer to test your welding skills on Lincoln Electric's VRTEX 360 virtual simulator and explore welding careers.
Mobile Experience Tour Map
Featured Exhibits & Immersive Technology
Featured Exhibits & Immersive Technology
Lincoln Electric VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Welders
The main attraction of the mobile experience! Our five
VRTEX 360 virtual reality welding simulators
allow visitors to strike a virtual arc immediately. Experience the sights, sounds,
and environments of a real-world shop in a safe, immersive setting.
Help Build the Navy’s Next Generation of Submarines
BlueForge Alliance, on behalf of BuildSubmarines.com, helps visitors explore how welding supports the U.S. Navy’s submarine program and national security.
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
See the "real deal" in action. Our exhibit features a professional pressure vessel and six specialized welding coupons showcasing multiple welding processes and positions used in everyday industrial applications.
Career pathways & scholarships
Career pathways & 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
Our exhibit 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, helping you map out your professional future.
AWS Scholarship Program
AWS has an extensive scholarship program for those interested in taking the next step toward a career in welding. At every tour stop, participants can put their skills to the test on the VRTEX® 360 simulator for a chance to win a $1,000 AWS Foundation Scholarship. Explore the many ways that AWS can help you achieve your career goals.
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!
bring the mobile experience
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.
BOOK THE MOBILE EXPERIENCE
Start the Conversation with AWS
Book the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience for your event and connect with AWS to learn more about welding education and career pathways in your region
Monday-Friday: 8AM-7PM EST
1 (800) 443-9353
1 (800) 443-9353
Email us
foundation@aws.org
Send an email
Ready to take the next step?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience free to attend?
Yes. The mobile exhibit is free to the public at all scheduled tour stops. Whether you are a student, a parent, or an educator, you can try virtual welding and explore maritime defense careers at no cost
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How do I win the $1,000 AWS scholarship?
Achieve the highest score of the day on the VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Welding Simulator inside the trailer. One scholarship is awarded at every single stop of the tour.
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Do I need prior experience to try the simulators?
Not at all. The exhibit is designed for beginners. The VRTEX® 360 simulators provide a safe, spark-free environment where you can test your "steady hand" with real-time digital feedback.
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What kind of jobs are available in the military or defense sectors?
Through our partnership with BuildSubmarines.com, you can learn about the 140,000+ roles needed to build and maintain the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet—a career path that supports national security.