April is National Welding Month—a time to recognize the hardworking professionals who keep industries moving and celebrate the educational programs shaping the next generation of welders. At Atlas Welding Supply, we believe supporting welding education is one of the most important ways we can invest in the future of our industry.
That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our longtime partnership with the Tuscaloosa County School System’s (TCSS) Welding Technology Program and its dedicated instructor, Dustin Wright, whose passion for teaching and welding has transformed lives.
Launched in 2012, the TCSS Welding Program was born from a vision to do more for students who needed a different path to success. Wright, a former classroom teacher and coach, began a small welding program while teaching at the Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center.
“I have always welded and been around welding my entire life,” Wright noted. “I always took the AG and trade classes. However, my path took me to the University of Alabama and into public
education as a classroom teacher and coach. As a teacher at the Tuscaloosa juvenile
Detention Center for 15 years, I saw where regular education was just not working and began a
small welding program with the help of many people.”
With help from community partners—including Atlas Welding Supply—the program grew into what it is today: a thriving training ground for future welders.
“Without their support our program would have never survived and thrived in the way that it has,” Wright said. “Atlas Welding and their employees are like family to us.”
Welding instructors often face challenges with limited budgets and the need for reliable service, especially in urgent situations.
“Atlas is outstanding at having everyone in their organization be aware of us as instructors and the challenges we face,” Wright explained. “Because of their dedication, we’re never in a situation where we cannot get what we need to keep our programs running.”
From emergency orders to ongoing support, our team is committed to helping schools like TCSS Welding stay equipped and operational.
The need for skilled welders continues to grow, and welding programs like TCSS are critical to filling that pipeline. Wright sees this firsthand every day.
“The most rewarding part is watching students come into the program knowing nothing and seeing them leave with a skillset and wealth of knowledge,” Wright said. “Many times they leave employed or with a short-term certificate through dual enrollment.”
In both the short and long term, we hope our support of TCSS helps ensure these students have the tools they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life.
As we celebrate National Welding Month, we asked Wright to reflect on his journey and share advice for aspiring welders:
“Work extremely hard and always strive to be the best you can be. Never stop trying to learn. You never know so much that there isn’t something new you can learn!” Wright said. He also encourages the community to show up and support local welding programs—whether by attending student events or helping instructors meet specific needs.
At Atlas Welding Supply, we’re proud to stand behind the educators shaping tomorrow’s welding workforce. This National Welding Month, we salute the TCSS Welding Program and every school, teacher, and student who is forging a future in metal.