Part 2 of a 2-part series: Manufacturing students applied for the NBT Travel Award to attend FABTECH 2019 as one of the benefits after receiving NBT scholarships. They had the opportunity to see today’s advanced technologies in action at the trade show, November 11-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Travel awards included reimbursement for attending an educational session and travel expenses.

NBT caught up with these inspiring young adults on the show floor:

Manufacturing students described why they were interested in attending FABTECH:

“Last year I was fortunate enough to go to FABTECH for the first time. It was overwhelming, fun, exciting, and a great learning experience. As pleased as I was with the trip, it wasn’t until I got to my summer internship when I realized how much I learned. I spent this past summer working as a weld engineer for the valves that go on aircraft carriers and several other navy ships and submarines. When I first got a tour of the facility, I saw some of these machines that are the sizes of small houses. I had a basic understanding of what they did and what they are capable of because of my trip to FABTECH.”

Robert Staudigel
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Welding and Fabrication

“I have never been to FABTECH and I think it would be an invaluable opportunity to attend FABTECH this year. I had the opportunity to intern as a welding engineer at the largest shipyard on the West Coast and my mind is fired and filled with ideas from the experience. I want to see what is on the leading edge of technology and see how it can be implemented into the industry. I am graduating in the spring of next year and as a future welding engineer, I want to see what the future holds.”

Mike Aja
The Pennsylvania College of Technology
Welding Engineering
See Mike’s interview on YouTube.

“After doing more career field investigation, I have developed an interest in maintenance planning. I’d like to attend the FABTECH Expo to talk to the professionals that care for the equipment to develop a better sense of the maintenance planning career path.

I’d also like to keep an eye out for new and upcoming technologies that I’d be interested in working with. Technologies like the SpaceX booster recovery system and improved additive manufacturing are at the forefront of our future and I’d be honored to actively contribute to them.”

Caleb Cutts
Auburn University
Mechanical Engineering
See Caleb’s interview on YouTube.

NBT has developed programs that are designed to prepare students to fill the void of skilled workers. The summer manufacturing camp program introduces young people to manufacturing career options and the scholarship program supports their technical education journeys.

Apply now for the fall 2020 scholarship — applications and school transcripts must be postmarked by March 31 to qualify. Learn more at nbtfoundation.org/scholarships.