ESCANABA — The AWS Foundation’s Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is hitting the road for its 2021 tour. Since 2011, the Careers in Welding Trailer has been a driving force for welding education and career development. It’s heading to the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba from August 10-22.

“I’m looking forward to being back on the road spreading the good word about this incredible trade,” said Stephanie Hoffman, program manager workforce development, AWS Foundation.

Sponsored by Lincoln Electric, the 53-foot single-expandable trailer provides visitors the opportunity to try their hand at virtual welding on the VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Welding Simulator. Participants can compete for the highest score of the day to win a $1,000 welding scholarship.

“In 2019, we awarded $49,000 in scholarships during the length of the tour, and this year we are excited to do it again,” said Hoffman.