Skilled Trades Scholarships

U.S. citizens ages 17 to 25 who are transition-aged or aging-out foster youth with proof of foster care experience, a high school diploma or GED, and plans to attend an accredited vocational, trade, or two-year college program in a high-demand trade field may apply. Foster Love and AVB BrandSource select ten scholars per cycle for awards of up to $10,000 over up to two years, plus career coaching and personal development support. Submit the application with proof of foster care, acceptance into an accredited program, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Applications close once all slots are filled.

College juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing civil engineering, welding engineering, welding engineering technology, or a related discipline may apply for the Matsuo Bridge Company Ltd. of Japan Scholarship through the AWS Foundation. Applicants need a high school diploma, at least a 3.0 GPA, and enrollment at a school in the United States. Priority goes to residents of California, Texas, Oregon, or Washington. One award of up to $10,000 is listed annually (AWS national scholarship materials also describe a broader dollar range across related awards). Apply through the AWS Foundation scholarship portal by the national deadline. Matsuo Bridge is a leading Japanese fabricator of steel for bridges, buildings, and other structures, including major suspension-bridge projects.

California high school seniors or college students majoring in civil engineering or construction management, or UCON member affiliates in any major, with a 3.0 or higher GPA may apply. Awards range from $3,000 to $10,000. Member affiliates include employees, spouses, registered domestic partners, or dependents of UCON member companies. Submit a personal statement, financial-need essays, transcript, and one recommendation by April 17.

Students enrolled or planning to enroll in welding or related programs at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities in North America may apply through one AWS Foundation academic profile. International students attending welding school in North America may apply; some named awards are restricted to US citizens. More than 130 donor-named national scholarships totaling over $700,000 range from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The 2025-26 cycle awarded over $2.7 million across 1,600+ scholarships foundation-wide. National, district, and section scholarship applications open December 1 and close March 1. Free AWS Student Membership is strongly encouraged. The AWS Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in welding scholarships since 1993.

Individuals enrolled or seeking enrollment in nondestructive testing (NDT) training courses at an accredited school or technical training organization may apply. The award supports entry-level NDT training or professional development. One $10,000 scholarship is paid directly to the recipient on July 1. Applications open August 31 each year. The 2026 cycle is closed; 2027 applications open August 31, 2026. The ASNT Foundation established this award to honor Charles Hellier III, a pioneer in the NDT community.

U.S. legal residents (citizens, permanent residents, and similar status) enrolled in plumbing or HVACR training may apply. Eligible paths include PHCC-approved apprentice programs with a PHCC-member employer, accredited two-year technical or trade programs in approved p-h-c majors, and related four-year degrees. Canadian citizen apprentices in PHCC-approved plumbing or HVACR programs with a PHCC-member employer may also apply. The foundation plans 80+ named sponsor awards in 2026, typically ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the donor fund. Payments go to the student's school. Apply online by May 1 each year. Winners are selected over the summer and notified by mid-August. Applicants answer five background and experience questions and submit a letter of recommendation from a PHCC contractor or academic instructor. The PHCC Educational Foundation supports students entering the plumbing-heating-cooling industry through industry-sponsored scholarship funds.

Truck Centers Inc. sponsors this scholarship for first-time Lincoln Land Community College students in the Diesel Technologies program. Applicants need a 3.0 LLCC cumulative GPA and must enroll in at least 12 credit hours. The award helps cover educational costs for students training in diesel technology at LLCC. Students apply through the LLCC Foundation's unified online scholarship portal. The application deadline is February 23 each cycle. New students must apply to LLCC and activate their LLCC email before completing the scholarship form.

U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent legal residents pursuing skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing, welding, or HVAC, construction, or multi-site facility management may apply for Connex Foundation scholarships of up to $5,000. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA, plans for full-time enrollment, demonstrated community service or work experience, and a submission video. Awards vary in number each year. The Connex Foundation promotes careers in skilled trades and the multi-site facilities industry.

Students pursuing postsecondary education in a construction-related field, or surviving children or spouses of construction workers who died in a work-related construction accident, may apply to the Construction Angels Scholarship Fund. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an eligible institution that requires a high school diploma or GED, such as an accredited four-year or two-year college, vocational-technical school, or construction training program. Scholarship amounts vary with fundraising. Funds may cover tuition, textbooks, materials, fees, and room and board. Recipients may reapply in later years if still eligible. About 50 awards are listed as available. Complete the application with required documentation and submit electronically or by mail postmarked by July 3. Construction Angels is a nonprofit that also provides emergency aid and grief counseling to families after construction workplace fatalities.

High school seniors or graduates and current postsecondary undergraduates who are U.S. or Canadian citizens planning full-time study at an accredited two-year college or vocational-technical school in construction, industrial, motor/power, mechanics, or technology fields may apply for the DEWALT Trades Scholarship. Up to 40 one-time awards of up to $5,000 each are paid directly to the recipient's school. Selection considers a trade essay, leadership, work experience, career goals, academic record, and personal circumstances. Applications open November 4 and close February 28. Stanley Black & Decker established the scholarship to support students pursuing trade degrees aligned with its industry goals.