Over the next five years, industrial gas company Praxair will be providing more than $200,000 in scholarships for the American Welding Society and training organization SkillsUSA. 
 
The company says the scholarships will support students training for welding careers. 
 
“We are extremely proud to support both the AWS and SkillsUSA scholarship programs,” said John Panikar, president of Praxair Distribution Inc. “Working together with these organizations will help Praxair provide targeted support to welding and metal fabrication students as they prepare for rewarding careers in the industries and communities we serve.”
 
Representatives from AWS and SkillsUSA were also pleased with the partnership.
 
“We are delighted to partner with Praxair on this important initiative that will assist in alleviating the welder shortage in our communities by providing scholarships for welding training,” said Sam Gentry, executive director of AWS.
 
“SkillsUSA is excited about our partnership with Praxair,” said Tim Lawrence, SkillsUSA executive director. “Our mission of empowering students to become world class workers and leaders will be enhanced and energized by the support Praxair is providing through these scholarships.”