With the demand for skilled workers growing and the labor market tightening, employers across multiple industries are seeking new ways to build and retain their workforces. With the help of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, presented by the American Welding Society (AWS), employers and education institutions can take workforce training into their own hands.

Apprenticeships have been used as a mutually beneficial training system for centuries. Modern-day apprenticeships are often associated with trade unions. However, before a company or educational institution can benefit from an apprenticeship, they need to know how to get started.

“While there's a lot of information on the Department of Labor website, it can be challenging to navigate,” said Monica Pfarr, Executive Director of the AWS Foundation. “Our goal is to educate employers and educational institutions in the welding industry about this opportunity and help them make an informed decision about implementing a registered apprenticeship program.”

To help navigate the new website, the AWS Foundation is hosting an on-demand webinar on November 17 during National Apprenticeship Week. During this session, Joe Young, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, AWS Foundation, will explain how companies of all sizes can help decrease the demand for skilled workers while teaching the next generation in the welding industry to produce high-quality work that'll contribute to the company's success. Those interested in attending the free webinar can register at aws.org/wawebinar. An informational session is also planned for FABTECH Atlanta.

To learn more about the Registered Apprenticeship Program, 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 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.

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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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