The American Welding Society (AWS) is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has officially approved its National Guideline Standard (NGS) for a Registered Welding Automation Specialist Apprenticeship, establishing a nationally recognized framework for training skilled professionals in automated welding. This milestone underscores AWS’s leadership in workforce development and its commitment to advancing training opportunities in welding automation.

“The welding industry is evolving, with automation playing a key role in shaping its future,” said Joe Young, Associate Director, AWS Foundation. “The Welding Automation Specialist Apprenticeship program will help bridge skill gaps in the welding industry by offering a structured pathway for training and upskilling individuals in welding automation.”

The National Guideline Standards provide a framework for employers to model training for the next generation of welders on real-world welding automation applications, while providing structured learning in advanced technologies. Apprentices gain paid, on-the-job experience, ensuring they develop the skills needed to support industry demand. Educational institutions and training providers can also align their programs with these nationally recognized guidelines.

Key Benefits of the Welding Automation Apprenticeship Program:

• Nationally Recognized Standards: Ensures consistent, credible welding automation training.
• Employer-Focused Training: Helps businesses upskill their workforce in automated welding technologies.
• Hands-On Learning and Pay: Apprentices earn while they gain practical experience in welding automation.
• Career Advancement: Offers clear pathways for professional growth within the welding industry.

Welding employers, educators, and workforce development professionals are encouraged to explore the advantages of this new welding automation apprenticeship framework.

For details on launching a Welding Automation Apprenticeship at your organization, visit weldingapprenticeship.com. 

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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 3,000 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.