AWS Coronavirus Update
Official Statement from AWS
The number one priority for AWS is the health and safety of our members, staff, seminar and exam candidates, conference attendees and volunteers. As we monitor developments regarding COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), AWS will continue to follow their recommendations as the situation progresses.
AWS Community Members
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the global news cycle and is an incredibly fluid situation. Millions of people are experiencing disruptions to their life, and we know this has caused significant strain for the members of our welding community. During this unsettling time, AWS leadership and staff want you to know that we will continue to serve you, and that we are working hard to find more ways to help you continue moving forward while we all wait for regulations to be lifted.
AWS Business and Corporate Members
“Essential Business” Document Helps Keep Doors Open
As the COVID-19 threat continues, a multitude of government agencies have mandated that “non-essential businesses” close their doors. Many of you have reached out to American Welding Society and asked us what we can do to help keep your operations open.
As a result, American Welding Society executives and legal representatives have developed a document making a case that welding and cutting organizations such as yours are “essential businesses.” Your operations support the operation and maintenance of a variety of other essential industries and businesses throughout the United States.
As you work with your local, state and national government representatives to keep your operations running, please use this Essential Business PDF as supporting documentation in your efforts.
“CARES Act” Small Business Information
COVID-19 is affecting small businesses in a variety of ways: from loss of business to remote work, things are changing fast and businesses are being forced to adapt. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Click on the link below for additional information.
Job Assistance
AWS has solutions for community members who need help finding jobs.
- AWS Community Members:
- Visit JobsInWelding.com to see job postings available in your community and across the US.
- Thinking about changing career direction? Take a quiz at CareersInWelding.com to find new job opportunities to explore.
In-Person Seminars & Other Events
As we begin to return to normalcy, AWS is taking the necessary precautions to reinstate seminars while following the guidelines set forth by local government and hosting hotel/facility with regard to social distancing. Masks are mandatory and must be worn during your seminar and exam. Gloves are strongly encouraged and will be provided by AWS. Any changes to restrictions will be communicated to seminar and exam attendees.
Online Education Discounts
AWS Online Learning seminars can help fill your downtime, teach you new skills (or brush up on old ones!) and in some cases, help you accrue PDHs.
- FREE* Online Safety in Welding course.
*Safety in Welding Course is free to view. For Certificate of Completion or PDHs, enrollment fee will be required.
Welder Qualification Continuity Requirements within AWS Standards
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Welding Society has issued an addendum to the Welder Qualification Continuity Requirements within AWS Standards. Click “Learn More” to read the entire announcement.
Educator Resources
As states have elected to close schools and have mandated a transition to virtual classes, welding educators face a significant and unique challenge. How can they train their students from a distance? AWS has compiled a list of resources to help educators continue to offer quality materials to their students.
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