• PMA Educational Foundation: $1,000
• Mid-Atlantic District: $2,000
• Total: $3,000

Initially, welding was not Ella Meckley’s first choice for schooling. She had little exposure to trades growing up and did not become familiar with the terms until she was in high school. With Ella being at the Pennsylvania College of Technology for two years, she says with certainty that starting her degree and taking the leap of faith into this field is one of the best decisions she has ever made. Welding has brought Ella a level of fulfillment that she did not know was possible when choosing her career path. She believes that there is so much more beyond the physicality of welding, and she looks forward to learning more about how she can make meaningful contributions to the industry. 

Currently Ella is employed by Process Control Specialties, also known as VacDry, which makes industrial wood-drying kilns. Ella uses the knowledge that she has gained through schooling to be an asset to her team.

Recently, Ella decided to pursue a minor in robotics. She believes that manufacturing within the welding field is moving toward automation for the many advantages that it brings in making things efficiently, creating jobs, having higher-quality products and keeping people safe. This is a path that she feels is important in manufacturing, and she would like to be a part of that for a company. 

Congratulations, Ella, and good luck with your future endeavors!