AWS Student Night and Welding Competition A Night of Talent Innovation and Community
On March 19 2026 Encore Gas and Supply hosted an outstanding evening at their Ontario California branch bringing together students professionals and industry leaders for the American Welding Society AWS Technical Meeting Student Night and Student and Professional Welding Competition
The event showcased not only the latest in welding and fabrication technology but also the strength and future of the welding industry
Bringing the Welding Community Together
Events like this are more than just competitions they are opportunities to connect learn and grow Attendees had the chance to meet with employers union representatives and industry professionals creating valuable connections that support both career development and workforce growth
With a strong turnout and an energetic atmosphere the night highlighted how important it is to invest in the next generation of skilled trades
Live Demos and Industry Innovation
One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of the latest welding and fabrication technologies Leading manufacturers and vendors were on site showcasing new tools equipment and techniques that continue to push the industry forward
From advanced welding systems to cutting edge fabrication solutions attendees were able to see firsthand how innovation is shaping the future of the trade
Student and Professional Welding Competition
The welding competition brought together both students and experienced professionals each competing in their respective categories Participants demonstrated a high level of skill precision and craftsmanship making for an exciting and competitive event
It was especially impressive to see the level of talent coming from the student competitors reinforcing that the future of the welding industry is in strong hands
Supporting the Next Generation
Student Night plays a critical role in bridging the gap between education and industry By giving students direct access to employers tools and real world experience events like this help prepare them for successful careers in welding and fabrication
Organizations like AWS and hosts like Encore Gas and Supply continue to make a meaningful impact by creating opportunities for students to engage compete and grow within the industry
A Huge Thank You to Encore Gas and Supply
We want to extend a sincere thank you to Encore Gas and Supply for hosting such a well organized and impactful event From the live demos and vendor participation to the competition and networking opportunities every detail contributed to a successful and memorable evening
Proud to Be Part of the Industry
At Benchmark FR we are proud to support and be part of events like this that strengthen the welding and industrial community Seeing the passion skill and dedication from both students and professionals reinforces why investing in quality gear and supporting the workforce matters
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to evolve events like the AWS Student Night and Welding Competition play a vital role in shaping its future We look forward to seeing continued growth innovation and talent in the years ahead