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Taking Workforce Development into Your Own Hands.

The need for welding professionals continues to rise, while the available market for skilled workers is shrinking.

welding professionals

According to Welding Workforce Data, over 82,000 welding jobs need to be filled annually between now and 2028. With over 159,000 welders nearing retirement, the industry is set to lose a critical knowledge base.

American Welding Society (AWS) believes apprenticeship programs are a reliable way to address the demand for top-quality welding professionals. Employers looking to build strong talent pipelines can now start with the AWS Apprenticeship Guidelines.

Explore AWS Guidelines for

Welding Apprenticeships.

The American Welding Society has developed three Registered Welding Apprenticeship Guidelines: AWS Certified Welder, Welding Inspector, and Welding Automation. Each are approved by the US Department of Labor.

AWS Certified Welder

WELDING INSPECTOR

WELDING AUTOMATION

A time-tested solution

To meet modern challenges.

Apprenticeships have been used as a mutually beneficial training framework for centuries. Although today’s apprenticeships are often associated with trade unions, companies and educational institutions of all sizes can take advantage of AWS Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs.

Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Center of Excellence, Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs provide structured career pathways that help you to attract recruits, develop the next generation of welding professionals, and achieve your unique goals.

Fusing theory with practice.

Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs ensure that apprentices acquire a core set of welding knowledge and skills that promote proficiency and productivity. This is achieved through a combination of classroom and hands-on learning. Organizations also have the opportunity to tailor and refine their program based on the unique needs of their industry, specialized materials, and more.

To implement a Registered Welding Apprenticeship Program, an employer can partner with a local or online education institution to provide theoretical instruction to compliment the on-the-job training and mentorship provided by the employer. The apprentice is considered a paid employee and is expected to produce high-quality work that contributes to the company’s success while in training.

Learn about AWS Education Services
Benefits of starting

an apprenticeship.

Instead of “bidding” for skilled labor in a competitive market, joining or starting a Registered Welding Apprenticeship Program offers the opportunity to build and train your workforce your way. Here are just some of the unique benefits you can expect when you participate in an apprenticeship program.

Reduce labor costs

State tax credits and federal funding, such as the GI Bill®, Federal Student Aid funds, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and more, can help offset the costs of starting and running your program. 

Develop your workforce to suit you

Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs are good for employees and employers alike. Apprentices earn while they learn an in-demand trade, and organizations can tailor programs to meet their needs.

Enhance productivity and outcomes

Apprenticeship programs bring education and industry together, building a bridge where businesses can access new talent, and schools can access experiential learning opportunities for their students.

Improve employee engagement and retention 

On-the-job training is core to Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs. Your apprentices not only build confidence in their skills — they also build connections within your organization. 

Build strong partnerships  

Apprenticeship programs include opportunities to collaborate with local educational institutions, workforce development boards, economic development entities, and other groups.  

Stay up to date with standards and protocols 

Registered Welding Apprenticeship Programs are designed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor and reflect the latest welding practices and standards.

Partner with AWS to build back your workforce.

The American Welding Society is available to assist with the initial development of your Registered Welding Apprenticeship program and broker connections from our extensive industry network.

Working with AWS, you’ll have a partner who understands the process inside and out.

Get in touch

Here’s what you can expect:
  • A nationally recognized partner dedicated to the growth and development of the welding industry.
  • Personalized attention to help tailor your program around your organization’s unique circumstances and goals.
  • Connections across industries, education, and government to help identify opportunities to collaborate, secure funding, and find additional resources to jump-start your program.

AWS resources to support your welding apprenticeship.