The metal construction industry is the sum of many parts, an integral one being welding. Since 1996, the American Welding Society has designated the month of April as National Welding Month to bring awareness to the welding industry and its available career paths. This year’s theme, “Be Part of The Future of Welding,” celebrates the industry’s vast and diverse welding community. With welding and other skilled trades continuing to see labor shortages, it is more important than ever to bring awareness to the importance of this industry.
Trade School Scholarships Announced
In honor of National Welding Month, Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, has announced it will award $10,000 in scholarships to trade school students in response to the desperate need for skilled trade careers, and to combat the nationwide shortage of skilled trade workers. Stephen Schober, President and CEO of Metal Supermarkets, says, “We are honored to continue our support of students who are pursuing careers in the valuable trade industries with the second year of our scholarship,”
Share Your Welding Story with AWS
Throughout the month, AWS will highlight stories from those in the welding community and share how welding has shaped their lives. Share your story by filling out the survey for a chance to be featured on the AWS Instagram page.
A Message from the AWS President
AWS President, Dennis Eck, says his focus during National Welding Month and throughout 2023 is on closing the communication gap in the welding industry. There are currently 5 generations of welding workforce, each with their influences and values; by 2028, Generation X will outnumber Baby Boomers. It is imperative that Boomers actively mentor Gen X, Gen Z, and Millenials coming into the workforce, and that all generations adapt and learn from each other so that no industry wisdom is lost and the industry experiences a seamless transition to the incoming generations.
WELD WEDNESDAY WITH AWS
TONIGHT at 8:00 p.m. EST on AWS Instagram Live, join Jason Becker, host of the Arc Junkies podcast, as he moderates a special edition of his show. The topic up for panel discussion is, “The Next Generation of Welding Professionals” will feature special guests including, Brandy Killeen – CWI – Welding Program Director at West Virginia Northern Community College and 2022 AWS Future Leader, Robert Watson – Welding Engineer at General Motors engaged in Resistance Welding development and multi-process welding support for product launches and 2022 AWS Future Leader, and Lexi McDermott – Welding Sales Specialist at Dynabrade, GAWDA Young Professionals Committee Member, and AWS Niagara Frontier Section Publicity Committee
Click HERE to listen to previously aired podcasts.
AWS Special Promotions in April
Throughout the month, AWS will be offering promotions on the following AWS products and services:
- Membership – Become a member during National Welding Month and be entered for a chance to win a gift card.
- Bookstore – Enjoy a 35% discount off list and member prices for the Welding Handbook print version (shipping excluded from discount).
- Education – Self-paced online courses will be offered at a 15% discount throughout April.
- JobsinWelding.com – Sustaining Corporate Members can receive 50% off employment listings on JobsInWelding.com using code 50AWSNWM.
AWS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. Download their media kit to show your support throughout National Welding Month.