Weld Wednesday with AWS Podcast

Weld Wednesday with AWS Podcast

 
American Welding Society


Regardless of whether you're a Certified Welder or a Pipefitter, chances are you've run into issues involving WPSs or PQRs, welder qualification requirements, or even career-advancing certifications. We hear your questions, and we're here to help.

Please join us on the first Wednesday of every month as Jason Becker, host of Arc Junkies, and guests tackle a variety of welding-related topics. Be sure to tune in every month to hear the newest episode.

  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - WPS, PQR, QPQR and other Acronyms w/ Charlie Cross and Padraic Bean
    Join Jason Becker in this episode of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS as he engages in a conversation with Charlie Cross and Padraic Bean, two industry experts, about the importance of welding procedures and qualifications. This insightful discussion delves into the key elements of welding procedures, including code standards, contract documents, and procedure qualification records (PQRs), emphasizing the need for tailored procedures to meet project-specific requirements. The guests share their experiences and provide valuable tips for developing and qualifying welding procedures, emphasizing the importance of documentation, thorough testing, and validation. Whether you're a welding professional looking to enhance your procedures or an industry expert seeking to improve quality and compliance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you achieve your goals. Tune in to learn from the experts and take your welding procedures to the next level.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Talking Automation with Sam Chance
    In this month's episode of the Weld Wednesday podcast, Jason discusses everything automation with Samuel Chance, a welding engineer with Vermeer. They discuss incorporating automation into large-scale heavy manufacturing and the opportunities to learn more about automation at the upcoming Welding Automation Expo & Conference, where Samuel will be speaking.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Building the Trades with Andrew Brown
    In this month's episode of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS, Jason chats with Andrew Brown, a skilled trades advocate who uses his platform to help drive conversations about the skilled trade shortage. They discuss how to effectively spark the interest of the younger generation in pursuing careers in the skilled trades, particularly in welding and much more.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Hood Time with Jordan Packer
    In this month's episode of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS, Jason chats with WorldSkills bronze medalist Jordan Packer, uncovering his journey from start to success. We cover how he started his journey to the world stage, how he prepared to compete at Skills USA, his training for WorldSkills, and what it takes to be a winner. If you've ever been curious about competing, how to get started, and what it takes to prepare - you don't want to miss this.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Unlock Your Full Potential: The Power of Lifelong Learning and How to Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Industry
    In this month's edition of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS, join us as we discuss the importance of being a lifelong learner and how you can stay up-to-date in the welding industry as technology continues to evolve.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Lexi McDermott, Brandy Killeen, and Robert Watson
    In this month's edition of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS, Jason spoke with three young professionals in the industry to discuss how they have thrived in this industry and what advice they have for others in terms of building a network. Guests included: Lexi McDermott, Brandy Killeen, and Robert Watson. The episode was a live panel discussion on Instagram Live on 4/5/23 the guests discussed their experience with AWS and how it has been helping them in their careers since they started to get involved.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Overcoming Obstacles: Women in Welding
    In this month's episode of Weld Wednesday, Jason Becker sits down with three accomplished women in the welding industry: Tiffaney Orff, owner of Welding Women Syndicate; Kelli Royals, Navy veteran and professional welder, and author of the children’s book, Willow Discovers Welding; and Amy Roosa, founder of The Safety Rack, an organization that advocates for better PPE for women in the trades industry.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - Maximizing Your Workforce Potential: How Apprenticeships Can Benefit Your Company
    In this month's episode of Weld Wednesday, Jason chats with industry experts Scott Ellsworth and Joe Young to discuss the benefits of apprenticeships and how to utilize the resources provided by the American Welding Society (AWS) to establish effective training programs for your employees.  Join us as we delve into the details of how to get started and discover why the cost and time investment is well worth it.  Tune in and learn how to take your company to the next level with a strong workforce.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - State of the Industry 2023 with Gary Konarska
    In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, Jason talks with Gary Konarska, AWS Executive Director and CEO, to discuss the current state of the welding industry. He shares insights on recent events and seminars held by AWS in 2022, and previews what's in store for AWS in 2023. Tune in to get a heads up on the current state of the welding industry and the resources and support available through AWS.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - A Rae of Sunshine with Rae Ripple
    This months episode of #WeldWednesday, from metal artist to author and everything in between, Jason catches up with Rae Ripple to talk about everything she's been up to in the year after she competed on Metal Shop Masters.
  • Bonus Episode – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Growing Pains with Jeremy Condrey
    If you’re a small business owner, or planning on striking out on your own, you’ll definitely want to tune in to this episode of #WeldWednesday. Jason chats with a Jeremy Condrey, owner of @southernweldcompany, a metal fabricating company that began in 2020 and has continued to grow, so much so that it sometimes struggles to keep up with the demand as a small business. Through the growing pains, Jeremy has learned how to benefit from having the support of a network of professionals that he has connected with through his local AWS section. Tune in for that and more!
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS - A Year Later with Ivan Iler
    In this edition of Weld Wednesday, Jason talks shop with #metalshopmasters contestant Ivan Iler (@ivan_iler) one year after competing on the Netflix hit series, find out how competing on the show helped shape his career. Ivan is a super talented metal artist who makes kinetic sculptures. Tune in to find out how he's taking his art work to the next level.
  • Bonus Episode – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Competing on the World Stage
    In this bonus Weld Wednesday episode, Jason interviews the World Skills Competitors from 1993 to present who have all represented the USA in Welding at the World Skills Competition. They share their stories and advice for future participants.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS – AWS Underwater Welding and Inspection w/ Rob Murray
    In this month's episode of #WeldWednesday with AWS, Jason talks with Rob Murray a career diver who specializes in Underwater Welding and Inspection.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS – Doc Polanin
    A very special #WeldWednesday episode! Jason of Arc Junkies Podcast, chats with AWS President, Dr. Richard Polanin, about all things welding and education. In this clip, they discuss the importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS Instagram Live Recording - Chloe Hudson
    In this special LIVE addition of Weld Wednesday with AWS, Jason talks with Chloe Hudson @arcweldingangel about her recent experience preparing for the CWI EXAM and her journey to becoming AWS Certified.
  • Bonus Episode – Weld Wednesday with AWS - The Welding Summit
    In this episode, Jason chats with Steve Snyder (AWS), Theresa Melfi (Lincoln Electric) and Michael Ellisor (Texas High School Welding Series) about the upcoming Welding Summit taking place in Houston, Texas August 24th-26th. Listen in to all the exciting things planned for this premier event. For more information, or to sign up for the Welding Summit, visit aws.org/weldingsummit.
  • Episode 19 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Bill Komlos
    In this episode of Weld Wednesday, Jason talks with Bill Komlos, an AWS member for over 35 years. They discuss his history as a volunteer and how that led him to serve on various Code Committees.
  • Episode 18 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - AWS Certified Welding Fabricator with Steve Snyder
    In this episode, we are chatting with Steve Snyder, a walking encyclopedia when it comes to welding codes and standards. Steve has traveled around the globe inspecting welds and helping companies improve their welding processes and standards, we talk about the CWI, CWS and CWF.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS Instagram Live Recording - National Skilled Trades Day
    Just in case you missed this evening’s Weld Wednesday With AWS Instagram live which is National Skilled Trades Day, we are proud to present the podcast featuring guest and jack-of-all-trades, Rae Ripple.  Rae's new book is being released this week, she has published a welding themed children's book which we are looking forward to helping her promote. She will also be discussing a recent sculpture project she collaborated on with a group of students from the AWS club at Penn College, the Welding Digest recently featured an article about the project.
  • Weld Wednesday with AWS Instagram Live Recording - National Welding Month
    In case you missed this evening’s Weld Wednesday With AWS Instagram live featuring Tom Mulvihill @weld.tom Josh Pawley with @vectis_automation and Matt Contini from @lincolnelectric hosted by Jason Becker with @arcjunkiespodcast you can see the entire live here. Happy National Welding Month Everyone.
  • Episode 15 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - An Instructors Point of View with Rachel Lee
    In this episode, I am chatting with Rachel Lee. Rachel is a Welding Instructor at Fortis College in Georgia. Rachel started her AWS journey as a student member and worked her way up to an Executive member of the AWS Atlanta Section.
  • Episode 14 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Qualification vs. Certification with Daryl Peterson
    In this episode we discuss a very controversial topic in the welding Industry. We often hear about welders claiming to be "Certified" and then getting called out on social media as being "Qualifed" not Certified. Well, Daryl has done some deep digging through the different codes and standards and has come up with an answer that will hopefully settle this debate. Daryl Peterson is a SCWI and the District Director for District 5 of the American Welding Society.
  • Episode 13 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - The State of the Welding Industry with Gary Konarska
    In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I am talking to Gary Konarska about the welding industry as it pertains to welder shortages and supply chain issues. AWS just released a new website to capture the data on welder shortages, average cost of schools and salaries across the US.
  • Episode 12 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Codes and Standards with Peter Portela
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast, we're talking Codes and Standards. We all know that we have to follow them when doing code work, but how are they developed? Who writes them? who approves them? Tune in to find out all of these answers and more.
  • Episode 11 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - The Benefit of Section Meetings
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast, is all about getting involved with your local AWS sections. Today's guest is Darrill Gaschler who is the Senior Manager of Sections and Student Chapters. Darrill is a great resource for local sections and today we discuss how and why you should start attending section meetings if you haven’t done so already.
  • Episode 10 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Putting Your VA Benefits to Work for You
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast, I am talking to Erich Posdzich Owner and Operator of BDB Fabrication and Monica Pfarr Executive Director, AWS Foundation. We discuss how you can put your Military Benefits to work for you when it comes to welding. Whether it's getting your CWI, CWE, CWS, or even becoming a Certified Welder. We also talk about a new initiative for Active Duty and Reserve Service Members to learn welding as a career. Get a pen and your note pad out, we're getting ready to drop bombs of information on you.
  • Episode 9 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Debunking the 100K myth
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast, we had the very first live episode of Weld Wednesday w/AWS brought to you by the @americanweldingsociety with special guests Nick Bezates @bezatesn Chloe Hudson @arcweldingangel Chandler Vincent @weldermade and your host Jason Becker @arcjunkiespodcast  Join us as we debunk the myth of a 100K salary in the welding industry and answer various questions from the audience.
  • Episode 8 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Changes to the D1.1 2020 Structural Welding Code
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast I am talking with Daryl Peterson about the several changes in the D1.1 2020 edition of the Structural Steel Code. If you are a current CWI this is a great overview of the changes that have taken place. If you are planning on taking the CWI Exam soon, this is a great episode to hear about what things you may want to consider to help you prepare for the exam.
  • Episode 7 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Building Your Network
    In this month’s #weldwednesday podcast we'll talk about the importance of building your professional network through the American Welding Society. Jason Becker talks with welders in his own network, Stephanie Hoffman, Travis Jumper, and Jeremy Whittemore about how vital it is to have a strong network within the community. They discuss the friends and acquaintances they’ve met along the way and how it has allowed them to take their careers to the next level!
  • Episode 6 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - Student Sections
    In this episode we're making history on the show, we have 4 guests on to discuss AWS Student Sections. We are joined by Darrill Gashler who is the Senior Manager of Sections and Student Chapters with the AWS, Cindy Galbavy and her Student Byren Stoner from the Helana High School Student Section in Helana Montana and Lyle Palm the Chief Academics Officer at Workshops for Warriors. In this episode we are talking all about AWS Student Sections and how and why you should get involved. This is an opportunity that I wish I had when I was welding in High School. There are so many benefits for students participating in AWS Student Sections.
  • Episode 5 – Weld Wednesday with AWS - The Foundation
    In this episode, I am chatting with John Douglas with the AWS Foundation about Scholarships and additional resources provided by the AWS that you may not be aware of. There is something in this episode for everyone to include students, educators, schools, professional welders etc. We also discuss the impact that these scholarships and resources can have with Shane Goslin, a past recipient of an AWS National and District Scholarship.
  • Episode 4 – Arc 2 Art Project with Stephanie Hoffman and Barbie the Welder
    In this episode, I am chatting with the ladies behind the all new Arc 2 Art Sculpture. Once completed the sculpture will tour the U.S. in the AWS Careers in Welding Trailer. The sculpture is the collaborated work of Artists Stephanie Hoffman and Barbie the Welder. What makes this sculpture so unique is that each artist is working on it from two separate locations. Barbie is in New York Building the Sculpture, and Stephanie is in New Jersey building the stand, welding hood, and all of the accessories. This is an epic build between 2 very talented artists.
  • Episode 3 – How's and Why's of WPS's and PRQ's with Dr. Scott Helzer
    In this episode, I am talking with Dr. Scott Helzer about WPS's and PQR's. Dr. Scott is a wealth of information when it comes to documentation and the science of welding.
  • Episode 2 – It's Okay to Screw Things Up, with Nate Bowman
    Nate Bowman is a CWI, CWE, and CWS. Today we talk about the process of becoming a Certified Welding Supervisor and some of the advantages of becoming a CWS as well as some of the benefits for employers to hire a CWS.
  • Episode 1 – What Does a District Director Do?, with Howard Record
    Certified Welding Inspector and Welding Engineer Howard Record District Director of District 5. Howard talks about his journey and how the AWS has helped him advance his career through the benefits and services they offer to their members.