Matt Scott wins national award from American Welding Society for lifelong impact on students
Story by Misty Bouse and Photos by Ric Getter.
Matt Scott inspects the technique of one of his students during open shop.
Portland Community College welding instructor Matt Scott was recognized with a 35-year Lifetime Membership Award from the American Welding Society (AWS) at FABTECH, an industry show. The national honor celebrates his decades-long commitment to workforce training and his impact on generations of welding students.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Matt Scott get recognized for his lifetime commitment to training, encouraging and mentoring students into the welding workforce,” said Patty Hawkins, program dean for Electronics, Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing and PCC’s OMIC Training Center. “The industry partners Matt works with would be proud to hear about this recognition because he’s committed to their voices always being at the table.”
The American Welding Society is the global authority on welding standards, certification and education. The AWS grants Lifetime Membership Awards to professionals who demonstrate significant contributions through education, service and leadership. The award highlights Scott’s technical expertise and commitment to workforce development, while reinforcing PCC’s leadership in trades education.
Scott is committed to guiding and supporting students throughout their training journey.
His True Reward — Completion
Scott, who has been an instructor for 32 years, also serves as PCC’s high school liaison for welding. He said the recognition is a reminder of why he teaches.
“Awards are nice, but the real reward is watching students succeed,” he said. “When they leave here with skills that change their lives, that’s what matters most.”
Hawkins said the honor shows the caliber of instructors PCC has.
“Matt’s dedication elevates our program and sets a standard of excellence that benefits every student who walks through our doors,” she said. “Matt is extremely passionate about teaching welding. He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave. If there’s a need in the department, he’s there to help.”
Scott began his career in the welding industry before moving into education, bringing real-world experience and industry standards directly into his classrooms. At PCC, he splits his time between teaching and outreach, emphasizing safety, hands-on instruction and collaboration with local employers.
Outside the classroom, he partners with local high schools to introduce younger students to welding and help them earn college credit while still in high school, saving both time and money.
‘When they leave here with skills that change their lives, that’s what matters most,’ Scott said.
AI Won’t Replace Welders
Scott stressed that technology, AI, and robotics will complement (as a tool), not replace welders, making the field even more adaptable and rewarding as the demand for skilled welders remains strong across Oregon and the nation.
“A lot of students don’t realize welding is even an option,” Scott said. “But once they try it, they see how many doors it can open. The AWS said they need 330,000 new welding professionals by 2028. As long as PCC welding grads are actively seeking jobs, they will be actively hired with multiple offers.
Matt Scott.
“It’s okay to mess up as that’s part of learning,” he continued. “What matters is that you keep practicing until it clicks and the skill becomes second nature.”
This wasn’t the only collaboration. In October, Scott joined colleague Todd Barnett at the British Columbia Technology Education Association’s Conference for Welding Educators, teaming up with industry partners Vigor Marine Group and Diversified Marine to present on bridging the skills gap through partnership.
“It’s going to take all of us to grow the trades workforce,” he said.
For more information on certificate and two-year associate degree options, see pcc.edu/programs/welding.