American Welding Society  

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

United States
305-443-9353
https://www.aws.org
  • Booth: C11361

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 and is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding community. We are 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. 

>Learn how AWS can help advance your career by visiting aws.org.


 Show Specials

  • (Oct 12, 2022)

    Register for an AWS Membership at FABTECH and get a 15 month membership for the price of 12 months*.

    *Offer available to new members only.

  • Visit the AWS Main Booth C11361 and enter our giveaway for your chance to win a Kindle Fire with access to an online course valued up to $600 USD.
  • Stop by the AWS Main Booth C11361 every morning at 9:30 AM for a special edition of the Arc Junkies Podcast. Broadcasting live, host Jason Becker and guests will discuss trending topics in the welding industry. Hang back after the discussion and meet some of your favorite social media influencers.

  • (Oct 12, 2022)
    Be sure to drop by the AWS Main Booth C11361 and celebrate your welding story with us, along with fellow AWS members. 

 Press Releases

  • aws-horz-logo

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Trish Fliss
    American Welding Society
    (800) 443-9353, Ext. 420
    tafliss@aws.org


    AWS Welding Workforce Data Website Shines a Light on the Welding Industry

    When it comes to the welding industry, reports commonly cite outdated statistics or inaccurate information. To be the industry leader in statistical data, the AWS Foundation launched Welding Workforce Data, a website dedicated to sharing accurate welding workforce statistics and projections.

    Approved by the American Welding Society, the Welding Workforce Data website is powered by Emsi labor market data, CareersInWelding.com, and the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency lists. The site shows projected welding needs and welder opportunities and is designed to become the trusted source for the industry as a whole.

    WeldingWorkforceData.com will be the go-to source for welding workforce labor statistics,” said Monica Pfarr, AWS Foundation Executive Director. “The site will share the most up-to-date workforce data and projections, critical to ensure accurate information is being shared both within the industry and across media outlets.”

    As of 2021, there are an estimated 750,000 U.S. welding professionals, and more than 160,000 are nearing retirement. Since 314,000 new welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2024, the Welding Workforce Data site is designed to answer questions people entering the welding industry need to know. Relevant data on the website includes projected welding needs, the national median salaries for different welding careers, and regions with the most welding jobs. Skills that employers are looking for in a welding professional and the median annual costs for education are also included, among much more.

    To learn more about Welder Workforce Data and explore industry insights, visit weldingworkforcedata.com.

    • The attached PDF has the combined Press Release and image.
    • The image shown is available for download and use in two sizes: square and rectangle
    • Click the link to view a list of our other AWS Press Releases.
    • Please contact me if you have any questions or need any further information. 

    ###

    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 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

    ###

    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. For more information, visit aws.org/foundation.

    ###

  • aws-horz-logo

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Trish Fliss
    American Welding Society
    (800) 443-9353, Ext. 420
    tafliss@aws.org


    American Welding Society Launches Career Readiness Course

    While the demand for skilled workers is rising every day, the jobs landscape is also getting increasingly competitive. Therefore, professionals may not know what to expect upon leaving school or changing careers. The Career Readiness online course is designed to introduce the basic steps inherent to the hiring process, specific to the welding industry.

    With the help of industry hiring managers, this self-paced online course is a powerful resource for anyone looking to begin their career in welding, reenter the workforce, or transition into a new role or field within the industry.

    “Employers are treating the hiring process as an investment for the future, so simply being able to weld or operate a machine usually isn’t enough to stand out from the crowd,” said Alicia Garcia, Director of Education & Training. “We created the Career Readiness course to help individuals understand what employers are looking for, bolster those skills, and successfully begin a career in the trades.”

    Participants will learn insights into best practices directly from industry hiring managers throughout this course. They’ll also learn how to position themselves to stand out as a top candidate. By the end of the course, they can confidently prepare cover letters, resumes, and prepare for an interview and bench test. Participants will also earn PDHs/CEUs upon completion.

    In addition to Member and Nonmember course fees, Early Career Members receive special pricing. Visit aws.org/learning for more information and to register.

    ###

    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 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.

    ###

  • MEDIA CONTACT:
    Trish Fliss, American Welding Society
    (800) 443-9353, Ext. 420 | tafliss@aws.org

    New AWS Online Lean Management Course Gives Practical Process Improvement Tools

    AWS Lean Management Course

    The American Welding Society announced  the release of Lean Management for Welding Productivity, a new online course aiming to identify and mitigate waste appropriately to help businesses reevaluate their approach to production to suit demand.

    Process efficiency and continuous improvement are essential components for running a successful fabrication business, and this self-paced course is a powerful resource for business owners looking to improve their processes and increase profits.

    First pioneered by the Toyota Motor Company in the 1930s, lean thinking quickly became a guiding principle for Motorola and many other prominent companies. This new course builds on these principles, provides training to eliminate these issues, and teaches attendees to refine their production process, train their workforce, and scale up their business.

    “Every welding facility in the world has opportunities for process improvement to increase welding productivity,” said Gary W. Konarska II, Executive Director & CEO. “This course will provide practical tools that can be immediately applied to your facility, resulting in positive improvements in your production process.”

    Lean Management for Welding Productivity covers fundamental concepts, like the types of waste companies can eliminate from their processes, and provides tips for implementing lean management in a welding operation. Upon completing this course, participants will understand how to improve their business using lean management ideas and tools.

    For more information about the new Lean Management for Welding Productivity course, please visit aws.org/leanmgmt.

    ###

    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 67,000 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.

  • MEDIA CONTACT:
    Trish Fliss, American Welding Society
    (800) 443-9353, Ext. 420 | tafliss@aws.org

    American Welding Society Expands its Commitment to Welding Education with "Powerfully Enlightening" Initiative

    AWS Lean Management Course

    The American Welding Society has empowered the welding community through educational programs for over 100 years. To stay at the forefront of welding education and serve different industry sectors, AWS continues its commitment to education by frequently adding new courses and offering members and nonmembers the tools needed to face new challenges and emerging technologies.

    “Welding is a dynamic industry with endless learning opportunities, no matter where someone is in their career,” said Gary W. Konarska II, Executive Director & CEO. “Through AWS Education, we offer welding education for the entire career arc. You can develop new skills, discover the latest technology, brush up on foundational principles, or prepare for a certification.”

    AWS Education offers new and experienced welding professionals an unmatched selection of in-person and virtual education opportunities. For educators and institutions, AWS provides industry-leading curriculum, guidelines, and support to help teach welding students using proven principles. New courses, including Lean Management for Welding Productivity and Solution Selling for Welding, are among the many courses offered. Depending on their needs and preferences, participants can learn directly from experienced AWS instructors or go through an online class or webinar at their own pace.

    “With AWS Education and Training, you don't have to choose between quality training and convenience,” said Alicia Garcia, Director, Education and Training. “Everything you need to support your career is at your fingertips.”

    No matter which AWS Education path is chosen, participants will get the most up-to-date information and best practices, all backed by the globally recognized authority that sets the standards for the welding industry. While they don't need to be an AWS member to take advantage of training resources, educational discounts are just one of many perks of membership.

    To learn more about AWS’ powerfully enlightening training resources, visit aws.org/education.To stay at the forefront of welding education and serve different industry sectors, AWS continues its commitment to education. By offeringtools needed to face new challenges and emerging technologies, AWS Education perovides new and experienced welding professionals an unmatched selection of in-person and virtual education opportunities. No matter which AWS Education path is chosen, participants will get the most up-to-date information and best practices, all backed by the globally recognized authority that sets the standards for the welding industry.

    ###

    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 67,000 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.

  • MEDIA CONTACT:
    Trish Fliss, American Welding Society
    (800) 443-9353, Ext. 420 | tafliss@aws.org

    CWIs/SCWIs Can Get Certification Endorsement to Perform Welding Procedure Qualifications

    AWS Welder Performance Qualifier

    The American Welding Society (AWS) proudly introduces the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement, developed for existing Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) who want to conduct Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) qualifications. .

    The WPS is a key component to ensuring weld quality; its qualifying process is a complex mixture of engineering, metallurgy, welding capability, and inspection. When a problem exists in any of these areas, the result can be failure of the weld to meet specified service conditions. To meet code requirement, the WPS must be properly qualified by a relevant engineering authority.

    While Certified Welding Inspectors have a fundamental knowledge of WPS qualification,” commented Denny Smith, Managing Director of Certification, “they require further training and assessment. CWIs or SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement have demonstrated that they are able to qualify WPSs with appropriate engineering oversight.”

    Prior to sitting for the endorsement exam, candidates are encouraged to participate in either an in-person or online training seminar; 16 hours of instruction provided in two and four days, respectively. “The Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement Seminar covers activities related to the qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)” Alicia Garcia, Director of Education, stated. “Participants will learn how to assess project requirements, demonstrate knowledge of process variables and relevant documents, evaluate mechanical and nondestructive testing for procedure qualification purposes, prepare a PQR, establish ranges for prequalified WPSs, and list ranges for WPS qualified by testing.”

    CWIs and SCWIs who hold the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement will better be able to

    • Differentiate between codes, standards, specifications, and other documents commonly used in a welding environment
    • Evaluate the various documents reviewed by the welding inspector prior to fabrication
    • Discuss the role of the welding inspector
    • Examine the role of procedure qualification records in the welding process
    • Assess control of materials and explain the importance of material control in meeting standards or specifications for production
    • Analyze alloy identification and material specification within welding inspector responsibilities
    • Navigate and identify pertinent information in the AWS D1.1 and B2.1 codebooks
    • Apply the necessary documents for a particular procedure qualification.
    • Explain the process of procedure qualification
    • Develop welding procedure specifications using real world examples
    • Analyze prequalified WPS’ and understand how they are developed
    • Analyze how Standard Welding Procedure Specifications are developed, qualified, and used

    CWIs seeking to take their career to the next level and become a SCWI, can use this all-new endorsement to help reach their goal. Their added skillset will also contribute to their company’s QA program.

    For more information, visit aws.org/wpq2.

    ###

    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 67,000 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.