When Liam Pickells was twelve years old, his teacher took his class on a field trip to a welding shop run by the teacher’s spouse.
“The minute I was shown how to program the plasma cutter and make a sign (which was my name), I was hooked. It fascinated me,” he recalls. “I have always been fascinated by equipment and machinery—the inner workings, how to run them. I was always getting into trouble with my dad when I was younger because I would take his tools and take things around the house apart and [sometimes] put them back together again.”
His welding attachment never weakened with the passage of time. He recently completed a Welding and Fabrication programme at Sheridan College. Now, with the help of a scholarship from Empowered Kids Ontario, Liam is on his way to Conestoga College where he has been accepted into their Welding Engineering Robotics programme.
“Being named an EKO Scholar is an incredible recognition. It is the ultimate show of support from my community. In my head, there is a movie of my life. Just like any movie, it has joy and pain, very difficult periods, and struggles that have been overcome. Although the selection committee does not know every aspect of my story, I feel seen. I also appreciate the financial support as continuing my education carries significant financial commitment—particularly as I will be required to live in residence. I am truly grateful for this honour on both fronts.”
Liam, who has autism, has been lucky to have the love and encouragement of family, friends, and caregivers throughout his life. He takes pride in his drive and resilience, as well as in his willingness to accept help when he needs it. He says he’s learned that having a community to draw on can be an incredible asset for anyone—not just someone who happens to be neurodivergent. His appreciation for the people in his own life is always close to the surface.
“My mother and my grandmother (who passed on last year) have been my biggest champions,” he says. “My mom researched and connected me with all the people who became part of my support team, including doctors, educators, and mentors. They fought for me every step of the way. They saw in me the will and ability and talent to accomplish my goals. They made sure I got the opportunity to showcase what I can do.”
Liam is thinking ahead to what he can do with a welding career. He’s not set on a particular industry, and can imagine himself working in aerospace or shipbuilding, on an oil rig or in the automotive sector—“anywhere heavy equipment provides a critical role, product, or service.”
“Until robots can think and trouble-shoot fully independently, and until they can do everything that a human does, there will still be the need for welders. I want to be that welder who can do it all, including working alongside robots. I enjoy the hands-on task of setting the machine up according to the specific process, picking up the welding torch, flipping my helmet down, lighting the torch, running the bead, and inspecting my work. I am excited about taking it to the next level.”
Back to our 2026 EKO Scholars