MacArthur High School in Texas Receives $5,000 Grant from ESAB

As part of celebrating National Welding Month, ESAB has awarded $5,000 to MacArthur High School, part of the Irving Independent School District, through its “ESAB Future Fabricators Charlie Monschke Welding Education Grant.” ESAB, a world leader in fabrication technology, also surprised the school with an equipment donation with a combined retail value exceeding $8,000.

The award and gifts were presented April 17 during a tour of ESAB’s Denton facility for students from MacArthur High School’s welding program, and their welding instructor Watt Ragle, who is also a part of Ironworkers Local 263 and an OSHA 500 instructor.

ESAB started the grant in 2024 to honor the memory of Charlie Monschke by supporting high schools in the Denton, Texas area. Charlie Monschke was a manager of advanced mechanical engineering at ESAB’s facility in Denton for over XX years. He passionately supported high school welding programs before passing away in 2023. Monschke began working at what was then the Victor Equipment Company in 1966. ESAB acquired the Victor brand in 2014. Today the 436,000 sq.-ft. Denton facility employs more than 350 people and serves as one of ESAB’s flagship manufacturing, research and North American distribution locations.

ESAB equipment donated included a Rogue EMP 210 PRO multi-process MIG/Stick/TIG welder, a Rogue ES 201i Stick/TIG welder, a Thermal Dynamics^® Cutmaster^® 30+ manual plasma cutter, a Victor^® G150 portable oxy-acetylene tote kit, a Tweco^® MIG gun, 10 Savage A41 automatic helmets and one Savage A50 LUX automatic helmet. This equipment is commonly used in light fabrication and construction operations, HVAC and sheet metal work, farm/ranch, maintenance, automotive, hobby and school settings.

Paying it Forward

“We only have six welding machines for 78 students. The grant from ESAB will help us get more students trained and certified,” says Ragle. “Approximately 86% of students in Irving ISD are classified as economically disadvantaged. Obtaining certifications helps students prepare for employment directly out of high school, for post-secondary technical education, or for pursuing a union apprenticeship.”

Thus far in 2025, 22 of Ragle’s students have achieved an American Welding Society (AWS) certification, which indicates that they have successfully completed a practical welding test under the supervision of an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Certifications are obtained in a specific process, such as Stick or MIG welding, and on specific joint types and welding positions. 

“The annual Charlie Monschke Education Grant, along with ESAB’s Future Fabricators program, will carry forward Charlie’s enduring legacy by investing in the next generation of skilled welders,” said Purushothama “Purushi” Doddanna, Senior Director of NAM Equipment Operations at ESAB Denton.

These initiatives are designed to support high school welding programs and empower students who are eager to develop essential hands-on skills that are increasingly in demand across industries,” he continued. “Welding careers are not only critical to the manufacturing and construction sectors but are also experiencing a surge in demand—particularly in Texas. With rapid population growth, a steady influx of businesses, and large-scale infrastructure development, the need for qualified welders in the state is outpacing the national average. Through these programs, we aim to bridge the skills gap and inspire more young individuals to explore welding as a rewarding and sustainable career path.”

To learn more about ESAB’s support for the skilled trades, students and educational institutions, visit https://esab.com/us/nam_en/landing-pages/future-fabricators/.

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