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Meet the Makers: Students Turning Passion into Purpose
Meet The Makers: Noah Roberts
Every year, students across the country step into a Project MFG competition not knowing exactly what to expect, and walk away with new skills, new confidence, and sometimes an entirely new direction for their future. Our Meet the Makers series highlights those moments and the students who are discovering purpose through manufacturing and the skilled trades.
To continue the series, we’re introducing Noah Roberts, a 15-year-old freshman from Yuma, Arizona. Today, Noah is already getting ahead of the game and working on some college-credit level welding classes, but just a couple of years ago, he was gaining his very first welding experiences, including at our Yuma Youth Welding Challenge. That single event helped turn a simple curiosity into a clear career goal and set Noah on a path toward a future in the trades.
Getting Started
Before jumping into the Yuma Youth Welding Challenge, Noah had only taken one introductory welding class with Shannen Aranmor at Weld Like a Girl, but by age 13, that was all it took to spark his interest. So when the Yuma Youth Welding Challenge popped up on his mom’s Facebook feed in January 2025, she knew it was an opportunity worth signing him up for.
That early experience, paired with Noah’s growing curiosity, pushed him to step outside his comfort zone and give the competition a shot. Right away, what stood out to Noah was the environment. Working as part of a team, learning alongside other students, and getting hands-on guidance from a mentor made the experience feel supportive and fun. Teaming up with others and learning from someone with real-world experience quickly became one of the highlights of the event for him.
The competition experience
For Noah, the competition itself didn’t feel intimidating, for him it just felt fun.
“There really weren’t any challenges,” he shared. “It was just fun.”
That enjoyment came from the hands-on nature of the work. Instead of watching from the sidelines, Noah was actively involved in building, welding, and assembling a real project. Seeing individual pieces come together into something complete gave him a strong sense of accomplishment.
Creating something tangible helped Noah understand why manufacturing and welding are so rewarding. It wasn’t just about learning a skill; it was about problem-solving, precision, and taking pride in the finished result. That feeling stayed with him long after the competition ended and marked a turning point in how he viewed the trade.
Finding a Future in Welding
Before Project MFG, welding was something Noah was curious about, especially because his dad welds. At first, his goal was simple: learn enough so he could travel to Los Angeles and help his dad on jobs. Welding felt like a useful skill to have, but not necessarily a long-term plan.
That perspective shifted after competing.
“Competing is what made me realize I want to pursue welding as a career,” Noah said.
Through Project MFG, Noah saw what was possible when skill, teamwork, and opportunity come together. The experience showed him that welding could be more than just something he tried once, it could be a future worth working toward.
Today, Noah is continuing to build on that momentum. He’s currently enrolled in college-level welding classes while still in high school, pushing himself both academically and technically. Recently, he passed his mid-term exam, a milestone he’s especially proud of.
Outside the classroom, Noah has found even more opportunities to practice. A welder at his grandparents’ house has given him additional hands-on time, allowing him to continue sharpening his skills and gaining confidence under the hood.
Lessons Learned
Through his Project MFG experience, Noah learned that success in the skilled trades isn’t just about technical ability; it’s about mindset.
“You have to stay persistent,” he said. “And you have to be able to hear and recognize the different sounds.”
Learning to slow down, stay focused, and pay attention to details became key lessons for Noah. He also learned the importance of building experience early and forming connections within the industry.
“Become an intern first,” Noah advised. “It gives you more connections to work.”
For students who feel unsure or intimidated by welding or other skilled trades, Noah encourages them to take the first step.
“Definitely just try it,” he said. “It seems nerve-racking, but if you have the right knowledge and safety gear, you won’t get hurt.”
Looking Ahead
As Noah continues to grow his skills and confidence, his long-term goals are already taking shape. He’s interested in pursuing shipyard welding, a demanding field that requires precision, patience, and a strong work ethic.
Noah also recognizes that the future of manufacturing depends on young people being willing to step in, learn, and commit to the craft. His journey is proof that early exposure and hands-on opportunities can make a lasting impact.
And if he had to describe his Project MFG experience in just one phrase?
“Do not rush. Slow and steady wins the race.”
At Project MFG, stories like Noah’s are exactly why we do what we do! Giving young makers the opportunity to discover their potential, build real skills, and confidently step into the future of manufacturing.
Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Makers series.
