American Welding Society  

8669 N.W. 36th Street, #130
Miami,  FL  33166-6640

United States
305-443-9353
https://www.aws.org

• Booth: W4481

About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves nearly 64,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1,800 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

 Show Specials

• ARC Stars Meet & Greet | Thursday, 10:00am (Aug 21, 2024)
  The ARC Stars are convening at the AWS Main Booth on Thursday at 10 AM for an engaging panel/Q&A session, interactive activities, photo ops, and giveaways.

• Arc Junkies Daily Podcasts (Aug 21, 2024)
  • ArcJunkies Podcast Sessions (W304D): Attend daily FABTECH Live Podcast Sessions:
    • Tue. 10/15 | 2:00 pm - Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement with Dr. Shahrukh Irani
    • Wed. 10/16 | 11:00 am - AWS Endorsements with Andrew Provost
    • Thu. 10/17 | 11:00 am - Emerging Trends in Welding Education with Tim Baber

 Press Releases

• American Welding Society Strengthens Support to Younger Welding Professionals with Complimentary Student Membership (Aug 21, 2024)

  Miami, FL, August 2, 2023: As an organization that recognizes the importance of developing the next generation of welding professionals, the American Welding Society announced today that it's making its student membership complimentary.

  “The complimentary student membership is part of the Society’s strategy of supporting the younger generation in the earliest stages of their careers,” said Cassie Burrell, Senior VP, Marketing & Membership Development. “AWS boasts a large portfolio of offerings that will resonate with young people, helping to build a bridge from student to early career to professional membership.”

  For decades, the annual dues for the student membership were $15. Now, students can obtain a complimentary membership for four years and maintain the same benefits. These include free digital access to the Welding Journal, discounts on publications and educational offerings, and access to the ever-popular Member Network, including a student community.

  “The complimentary student membership will introduce young people to a vast library of AWS resources and services designed to enhance their education outside the classroom, from scholarships through the AWS Foundation to networking opportunities at local AWS Student Chapter and Section events,” added Burrell. “We’re looking forward to welcoming student members and for them to find career and real-life opportunities they may not have discovered otherwise.”

  Students looking to elevate their education can apply online at aws.org/membership. They’ll then receive their member ID, giving them instant access to their member benefits."

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  About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1,800 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

  

• AWS Board of Directors Names Michael A. Krupnicki President (Aug 21, 2024)

  Miami, FL, October 5, 2023:

  On August 24, 2023, the American Welding Society Board of Directors voted unanimously to install Michael A. Krupnicki as AWS President for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024. The decision was made pursuant to the untimely death of President Dennis K. Eck in August, 2023.

  “Mr. Eck’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to our organization were invaluable,” commented Mr. Krupnicki. “His presence will be deeply missed. We ask that the welding community continue to keep the Eck family in their thoughts and prayers.”

  Mr. Krupnicki has been involved in American Welding Society leadership for close to 40 years, starting as a Board Member of the AWS Rochester Section and holding increasing roles and responsibilities, including District 6 Director from 2015 to 2020. He has been a member of the AWS Foundation Grants Committee, Districts Council, Communications Council and Standards Council. In 2015, Krupnicki became a member of the AWS Board of Directors and was elected in 2018 to serve as Vice President beginning in 2020. He has been published in the Welding Journal and other industry publications. In 2016, his welding school, Rochester Arc + Flame Center, was presented with the WEMCO Excellence in Welding Award in the Educational Facility category.

  “The focus of my presidency will be to Enhance the Volunteer Experience,” said Krupnicki. “Volunteers are the engine of our Society - the people that make the AWS thrive. I will work with the Board and our staff to ensure a rewarding, enjoyable and relevant experience for our dedicated volunteers.”

  Krupnicki is a lifelong member of the welding community, beginning his career in his father’s welding supply business at age 18. While working he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at St. John University and his MBA at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Krupnicki grew the family business and also founded a cryogenics distribution company. He has since sold both businesses to concentrate on his passion for educating the next generation of welders.

  He accomplishes this as an adjunct professor of business and engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as being the owner and founder of the Rochester Arc + Flame Center, a private welding school that provides vocational and professional training in welding, metal smithing, and the glass arts and offers courses to the public and local colleges.

  Mr. Krupnicki strongly believes in giving back both to his local community and to the industry that supported him throughout his career. He donates his personal time, expertise, services and money to numerous charities, and his school provides free seminars, supplies, and mentoring to high school robotics teams, college SAE engineering clubs, Scouts and at-risk young people.

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  About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1,800 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

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  About AWS Foundation: Founded in 1989, the AWS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Welding Society, the nonprofit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology, and, application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes. The AWS Foundation works to ensure the growth and development of the welding industry through various initiatives, including, career awareness, scholarship programs, and grants to institutions that offer welding education and training. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our partners who understand the value of welding and its role in building a better, stronger economy. aws.org/foundation

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• American Welding Society Launches Reimagined Website (Aug 21, 2024)

  Miami, FL October 17, 2023:  After years of unwavering commitment and hard work, the American Welding Society announces today the launch of its newly redesigned website: aws.org

  With nearly 2.5 million visitors in 2022, the new website is designed to continually expand this number by offering a seamless, uniform browsing experience and focusing on every user's unique needs in their quest for information.

  Cassie Burrell, Senior VP of Strategy & Membership Development, shared, "The new website's aesthetics and structure provide our visitors with the ultimate user-friendly experience. A revised navigation system is tailored to cater to each individual's distinct journey, placing the user firmly in control."

  Research was critical to the redesign, requiring a core team of AWS staff to evaluate the organization's infrastructure, define success, and understand the user journey experience. The redesign, part of AWS' digital transformation roadmap, began in 2021 with a website discovery. Phase 2, which started in Spring 2022, consolidated several web properties into one ecosystem. Ms. Burrell emphasized, "This redesign reimagines not just the website's structure, but also its format, content, and navigation, all geared towards enhancing and elevating the user experience with AWS."

  Key highlights of the customer-focused updates to the new website include:

  • Enhanced Search: Utilizing AI technology, the website adapts to users' search history to deliver precise results.
  • Responsive Design: Optimized for tablets and mobile devices, ensuring a simplified exploration and participation process.
  • Live Chat: Offering real-time access to a dedicated Customer Service representative.
  • Online Magazines: Delivering immersive, searchable, and real-time access to all AWS publications.

  Additional updates encompass a streamlined shopping process, personalized member greetings, and a searchable calendar of events and course catalog.

  Ms. Burrell concluded: "This redesign is not merely a touch-up; it's a complete overhaul. We are making the AWS website functional and meeting our members and customers where they are to enhance their overall experience."

  Discover the reimagined website by visiting aws.org.

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  About AWS 

  The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our members of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves nearly 70,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters. For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at https://www.aws.org.

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• Accuris Partners with American Welding Society for Engineering Workbench Access (Aug 21, 2024)
  March 2024

  

  Accuris, a leader in engineering workflow solutions, today announced an exclusive partnership with the American Welding Society to offer their technical committee members access to Engineering Workbench, a SaaS platform for integrating engineering standards and other technical publications into engineering workflows.

  Members of AWS technical committees can now use Engineering Workbench to work more efficiently to develop future standards. Access to Engineering Workbench will provide members with access to broad sets of information such as patents, existing standards and ongoing research and development projects.

  “We believe the technical committees of our SDO Partners are the lifeblood of our business and we rely on them to help us supply our customers with the latest standards,” said Jim Thomas, Chief Partnership Officer for Accuris. “This partnership enables SDO Partners to use the same industry-leading technology we provide our customers. We are proud to build a bridge and deepen our value to our SDO Partners as they work to make the world a safer and more efficient place.” 

  “Engineering Workbench gives our volunteer technical committee members an easy way to access our AWS codes and standards as a reference for Committee work.” said Peter Portela, Director, Standards Product Development. “Using the Accuris platform will help the volunteers access the right information at the right time, so that we are able to create tomorrow’s standards faster and more effectively.”

  For more information on how you can access Engineering Workbench for your organization, visit accuristech.com.

  About Accuris

  Accuris is an engineering-focused technology company that drives $500MM in annual recurring revenue through AI-powered data and workflow solutions. For over 60 years, engineers have relied on our data and technology to innovate and solve problems, reducing their ideation time by 70% and eliminating product and process failures by up to 5 times. We work with over 6,000 global customers and 650,000 engineering end users in over 100 countries and dozens of industries – including aerospace and defense, energy, sustainability, construction, architecture and more. Accuris partners with 400+ Standards Development Organizations to support their non-profit mission, streamlining your access to 2.3 million engineering standards for innovation and progress across the globe. Accuris brings you technology with the knowledge built in – so you can build a better world.

  About AWS

  The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications, and educational programming for the welding, allied joining, and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our of technological advancements, and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1,500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees, and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

• AWS “Careers in Welding Mobile Experience” Receives Sponsorship from BlueForge Alliance to promote BuildSubmarines.com (Aug 21, 2024)

  Miami, FL, July 9, 2024: The American Welding Society (AWS) announced today that its Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is now sponsored by BlueForge Alliance (BFA) to promote BuildSubmarines.com, a website powered by BFA that is focused on elevating the submarine mission, integrating the industry demand signal, and aggregating education, training, and career opportunities in the skilled trades.

  Since its inception in 1919, AWS has supported U.S. military and defense activities. Under the direction of President Woodrow Wilson and leadership by Comfort A. Adams during World War I, AWS was established to create and uphold welding standards that would ensure the reliability and safety of military vehicles and equipment.

  “We are proud to announce a two-year sponsorship of the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience with BlueForge Alliance, and for our collective efforts to be part of the critical mission to build and sustain submarines,” stated Monica Pfarr, Executive Director of the AWS Foundation. “Their sponsorship will enable us to continue to promote welding as a rewarding career path and highlight the essential role the manufacturing workforce plays in our nation's defense.”

  The U.S. Navy estimates that more than 140,000 new skilled workers will be needed over the next decade to meet its submarine production goals while maintaining the current fleet. With this partnership, the Careers in Welding Mobile Experience will reach a national audience with a platform to inspire and educate individuals about the vast career possibilities available within the welding industry, and especially in the military and defense sectors.

  The AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience is an interactive exhibit that travels across the United States, showcasing the numerous family-sustaining career opportunities within the welding profession. The 53-foot single-expandable trailer offers visitors an immersive experience, offering virtual hands-on welding experiences with state-of-the-art VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality Welding Simulators provided by sponsor, Lincoln Electric.

  For more information on the AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience, visit AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience. To learn more visit BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com.

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  About the AWS Foundation: Founded in 1989, the AWS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Welding Society, the nonprofit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology, and, application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes. The AWS Foundation works to ensure the growth and development of the welding industry through various initiatives, including, career awareness, scholarship programs, and grants to institutions that offer welding education and training. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our partners who understand the value of welding and its role in building a better, stronger economy. aws.org/foundation.

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  About BlueForge Alliance: BlueForge Alliance is a nonprofit, neutral integrator that supports the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base initiatives and efforts to strengthen and sustain the maritime manufacturing sector. BFA is a critical partner in the SIB’s mission to ensure industry has the capability, capacity, and resilience to build and maintain America’s next generation of undersea platforms. The organization’s team of experts in a variety of disciplines focus on addressing critical workforce, technology, and supplier development needs. BFA is headquartered in Bryan/College Station, Texas. For more information, visit www.BlueForgeAlliance.us.

  

• Skills USA Welding Competition Committee Announces US Competitor for 2024 WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France (Aug 21, 2024)

  Miami, FL April 22, 2024: The AWS WorldSkills USA Competition Committee is pleased to announce that Wyatt Hansen of Altonah, UT, will represent the United States at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, this coming September 10-15, 2024.

  Hansen, 20, began welding at age 12 and started formal welding training in high school. By his senior year, Hansen had completed a welding Certificate at Uintah Basin Technical College in Roosevelt, Utah. No stranger to Skills competitions, he was a competitor for the Utah SkillsUSA championships in 2022 and 2023, and the SkillsUSA national championship in 2023. He is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology at Utah State University Eastern in Price, Utah, and is planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering, obtain his CWI, and start his own welding and fabrication business.

  Committee Chairman Branden Muehlbrandt of Lincoln Electric commented on the importance of selecting the best competitor: “The US WorldSkills welding competition candidate must be self-motivated, have attention to detail, an intense desire to succeed, and that burning desire to represent the United States on a global stage. Wyatt is a great example of all these characteristics, and we’re happy to have him represent our trade.”

  Hansen will be participating at the following events leading up to and after the WorldSkills Competition in September:

  • May: Canada Global Skills Competition | Australia Global Skills Competition
  • June: SkillsUSA National Competition | Atlanta
  • July: USA Global Skills Competition and Training
  • October: AWS FABTECH | Orlando

  The American Welding Society would also like to congratulate alternate competitors, Ben Cornaby and Chace Duarte.

  Benjamin Cornaby, 19, from Mapleton, Utah, began welding as a freshman at age 15. In 2022, during his junior year, Ben competed at the state level of SkillsUSA, placing tenth, and following it up in 2023 with the gold medal. For the national 2024 Skills USA competition, he trained in his high school instructor’s garage, placing second overall. Ben is currently working toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology at Utah State University Eastern in Price, Utah, with plans to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Welding.

  Somerset, Massachusetts, high school welding student Chace Duarte (19) has emerged as a standout talent in the welding community, showcasing exceptional skill, dedication, and a passion for excellence. Duarte honed his welding abilities while competing in the SkillsUSA Welding Competition, securing the Silver Medal at the state level in his junior year, Gold Medal his senior year, and placing fourth at the SkillsUSA National Welding Competition.

  For more information, visit weld.ng/competitions.

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  About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1,800 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

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  About WorldSkills: Since 1950, WorldSkills has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills, along with newer technology’s multi-skilled occupations, make an essential contribution to the economic and social well-being of people everywhere. For more information, go to: www.worldskills.org.

  

• ASNT Certification Services LLC and AWS Announce Strategic Collaboration on Certification Initiatives (Aug 21, 2024)

  Houston, TX and Miami, FL – 20 August 2024 – ASNT Certification Services LLC and The American Welding Society are excited to announce a cooperative relationship aimed at advancing the art, science, and technology of welding and nondestructive testing (NDT). This collaboration will focus on harmonizing requirements for certifications and expanding the global reach of both organizations through various training and certification programs.

  This partnership allows for sharing of authorized training programs, examinations, and certification facilities, creating a more cohesive and integrated approach to certification. By working together, the two organizations aim to deliver enhanced value to their members and the broader industry.

  Richard Arn, Vice President of Welding Technology at AWS, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "The American Welding Society is excited to partner with The American Society for Nondestructive Testing to develop certification products that will benefit the members of both associations. We look forward to collaborating with them closely over the course of the next few months to begin to materialize these opportunities.”

  Paul Lang, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ASNT and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services LLC, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in aligning our respective certification programs. By combining our expertise in welding and nondestructive testing, we can provide more comprehensive and globally recognized certifications. We are committed to fostering innovation and excellence within our industries, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.”

  Through this agreement, the focus will be on harmonizing certification program qualification requirements to ensure that professionals in both the welding and NDT fields have access to top-tier training and certification opportunities. By aligning their efforts, both organizations are setting a new benchmark for quality and consistency in the certification landscape.

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  About ASNT Certification Services LLC 

  ASNT Certification Services LLC was established to manage and operate the certification and accreditation programs of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). With more than 33,000 certifications issued to NDT professionals worldwide, ASNT Certification Services currently administers six certification programs—ASNT NDT Level III, ASNT NDT Level II, ASNT 9712, ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP), and the Industry Sector Qualification – Oil & Gas (ISQ – O&G) program—and manages the Employer-Based Certification (EBC) Audit Program. 

  For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org.  

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  About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at aws.org.

  For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at aws.org

  For press inquiries about AWS, please email tafliss@aws.org.  

  Image Caption: Representatives from ASNT and AWS gathered in Korea, in May 2024, during the NDT World Conference, to begin collaborating on certification programs.