Skills USA and WorldSkills competitions play a vital role in introducing students to careers in the trades, and especially to welding. The January 2025 issue of the FF Journal featured a cover story on WorldSkills bronze medalists, Wyatt Hansen (2024) and Jordan Packer (2022), and showcasing the value these competitions bring to the welding industry.

It's no secret that the CWI exam is formidable, but it's certainly not impossible to pass. Welding Productivity got insight on considerations when preparing to take the CWI exam from AWS members Corey Mays, President/Founder of CM Welding & Machine, and Freedman Seating Co. welding engineer, Marvin Herrera.

Tori Hay is a Ferris State student involved in her local AWS Student Chapter...who at the age of 19 had both the educational and practical experience to become a CWI after she passed her exam. Read more about her aspirations in the July issue of the FF Journal.

It's no secret that skilled labor is in high demand, and that many organizations are looking at ways to expand their welding workforce. Joe Young and Monica Pfarr recently talked about how welding apprenticeships can close that labor gap with Marine News and Inc. Magazines.

Struggling to Hire Skilled Workers? Here Are 3 Innovative Ways to Attract the Talent You’re Looking For
You’re not alone in facing hiring challenges—but instead of waiting for the right candidates to find you, take proactive steps to develop the skilled workforce your organization needs.

People walk out of [the AWS Welding Summit] with more free consulting information than they can shake a stick at.”