Nathan Schiesl – Saint Cloud State University, Mechanical Engineering
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
- PMA Educational Foundation: $2,000
Nathan Schiesl has built a strong foundation in welding and manufacturing through a combination of hands-on experience, leadership and a commitment to continuous learning. As a high school registered welding apprentice with John Deere, Nathan gained invaluable exposure to real-world manufacturing environments that shaped both his skills and career aspirations. His experience extended far beyond the classroom, providing opportunities to work with welding operations on mid- and large-frame skid steers, backhoe side-frame fabrication and robotic welding systems. Through these experiences, he developed a firsthand understanding of how welding engineers bridge the gap between engineering teams and production operators to implement continuous improvements and enhance manufacturing processes.
Nathan takes great pride in having been the inaugural student from his high school to participate in a registered apprenticeship program. By stepping into this pioneering role, he helped change perceptions and demonstrate the value of apprenticeship opportunities for future students. His willingness to advocate for the program and share his experiences opened doors for others to consider similar career pathways in manufacturing and skilled trades.
Driven by his passion for welding and engineering, Nathan made the bold decision to move from Iowa to Michigan to attend Ferris State University and enroll in its Weld Engineering Technology program. Leaving behind familiar surroundings and relocating several states away required determination and confidence in his goals. Upon arriving at Ferris State, he immediately found a community of peers who shared his enthusiasm for welding, manufacturing and engineering. While the state-of-the-art welding laboratories were impressive, it was the classroom experience that gave him valuable perspective. Through discussions with professors and fellow students, Nathan came to fully appreciate how unique and impactful his apprenticeship experience at John Deere had been in preparing him for a career in welding engineering.
Nathan’s dedication and accomplishments were further recognized when he received an American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarship. As one of only four first-year students selected to attend the FABTECH Expo in Chicago with Ferris State University, he had the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, manufacturing companies and emerging technologies. The experience reinforced his passion for the welding and manufacturing industries while providing valuable networking opportunities and insight into future career possibilities.
Looking ahead, Nathan’s goal is to become a weld engineer at a Fortune 100 company, where he can contribute to design, engineering, manufacturing and testing initiatives. He hopes to grow within the organization, eventually advancing into leadership positions where he can help drive innovation and operational excellence. He understands that successful weld engineers must possess not only technical expertise but also strong communication and collaboration skills. His apprenticeship experience, educational pursuits and leadership activities have helped prepare him to excel in both areas.
Nathan has also demonstrated financial responsibility and a strong work ethic throughout his educational journey. He has diligently saved approximately 80 percent of his earnings to help fund his college education, reflecting a level of discipline and maturity that will continue to serve him well throughout his career. His commitment to investing in his future mirrors the dedication he brings to every aspect of his education and professional development.
Nathan’s passion for welding, commitment to manufacturing excellence and drive to continuously improve make him an outstanding representative of the next generation of manufacturing professionals. His combination of technical skill, leadership potential and dedication to lifelong learning positioned him for a successful future in welding engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) proudly congratulates Nathan Schiesl on being selected as a scholarship recipient. His exceptional apprenticeship experience, dedication to welding engineering and commitment to manufacturing innovation make him highly deserving of this recognition. PMAEF wishes Nathan continued success as he pursues his education and future leadership roles within the manufacturing industry.