AWS Issues Proclamation for the 10th Anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week

To mark the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from November 17-24, 2024, the American Welding Society (AWS) has issued a proclamation reaffirming its commitment to advancing a skilled welding workforce through registered apprenticeships.

Registered apprenticeships play a critical role in building a skilled workforce nationwide, ensuring job quality and creating well-paying career pathways. AWS’s proclamation calls on industry leaders and employers to champion apprenticeship programs for individuals from all backgrounds, including those from historically underserved communities.

“National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry,” said AWS President Michael Krupnicki. “Through registered apprenticeships, we can address the skills gap and create rewarding, lucrative career paths through hands-on, paid training in welding, inspection, and automation.”

AWS believes registered apprenticeship programs are essential for strengthening the welding workforce and addressing critical needs of the nation’s infrastructure, supply chain, and clean energy sectors. To support employers in launching or enhancing apprenticeship programs the AWS Foundation has developed weldingapprenticeship.com, a resource hub providing guidance on structuring registered apprenticeship programs for welders, welding inspectors and automation technicians.

For more on how AWS’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs can support your organization’s workforce needs, visit weldingapprenticeship.com.

The official National Apprenticeship Week website offers details on activities happening nationwide.