Developing classroom curriculum and finding resources can be time-consuming. With Miller® AugmentedArc® Augmented Reality Welding System, you can save prep time and focus on teaching.

Despite the challenges created by the Omicron variant of COVID-19, AWS continued to recover from the effects of the pandemic and experienced favorable revenue growth and surplus growth for 2021.

The Welding Qualification Workshop — Best Practices 2022 event was held at the Miller Electric® facility in Houston, Tex., on April 11–13. I organized the event. Thirty-one students were in attendance.

On March 29, professionals from throughout the United States gathered in front of their computers for the AWS Women in Welding: Design in the Workplace virtual conference. 

COVID-19’s impact on the supply chain has opened everyone’s eyes to the importance of smoothly running global commerce and logistics. 

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is one of the most-used welding processes in the world. Advancements in GMAW-related equipment, such as the ones highlighted here, keep it at the forefront of welding technology. 

Jordan Packer will represent the United States as the sole welding competitor at the 2022 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, after taking second place at the USA Final Weld-Off.

The Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance’s (RWMA’s) 2022 virtual meeting was recently held, bringing together its members.

Samantha Marasigan, 38, will graduate this June with four automotive certificates and three welding certificates from San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE). 

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software is excited to announce the recipients of its 2022 Spark Something Great educational grant. 12 programs were selected from a pool of 110 applications, representing public schools, vocational schools, and colleges from throughout the United States and Canada. This year’s recipients are:

ESAB Corporation (NYSE: ESAB) announced today the launch of InduSuite (InduSuite.com), a brand-agnostic portfolio of software applications that revolutionizes workflow, quality, and business performance, to help fabricators and manufacturers improve operational efficiency. InduSuite offers three key benefits for mixed fleet customers: simplicity for accessing data and documents with an easy-to-use interface; real-time insight into performance, traceability, and workforce accountability; and an unprecedented level of control over metal fabrication operations.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity of $3.4 million for up to nine grants to attract and keep women in Registered Apprenticeship Programs and industries where they are underrepresented such as manufacturing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

The American Welding Society is pleased to announce the Welding Summit, taking place August 25-26, 2022, in The Woodlands, Texas. The Welding Summit comprises two days of presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits where the industry comes together to discuss, dissect, and educate on key issues affecting the welding industry.

Columbus State Community College (CSCC) in Columbus, Ohio, has developed a welding education platform that uses weld data capturing and video imaging technologies to train students in manual welding processes. 

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a long shadow over the world, and education in particular. To overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, many welding programs have turned to e-learning in the last two years. 

Four educational products that can be used in the welding classroom or in the field.

StrataTech Education Group will provide $1 million in scholarships for skilled trade workers, Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is renovating its Welcome Center, and NASCAR Technical Institute has a new welding technology training program.

ASNT’s Industry Sector Qualification - Oil & Gas (ISQ-O&G) program is an advanced practical qualification exam without the full program cost. The purpose of the ISQ program is to provide the oil and gas industry with NDT personnel who have demonstrated competency in practical application of a specific technique through hands-on performance demonstration qualification examinations.

Since 1996, the American Welding Society (AWS) has designated April as National Welding Month. To celebrate our vast, diverse community and bring awareness to the industry, we have a variety of events planned.

The “ripple” effect of Skyler R. Graver’s gumption will enhance Pennsylvania College of Technology’s landscape for generations to come.

Stay informed, connected, trained, certified, and challenged. AWS offers a wide range of industry events that support your business needs and keep your team members at the top of their game.

With the vast majority of energy harnessed and consumed in the United States still coming from fossil fuels, Strobel Companies primarily support the growth and distribution of liquid energy. Welding is key to its operations.

As welding professionals, we’re fortunate to have rewarding careers. But many people don’t know about the vast number of options in our wide-ranging trade. You can help them discover those possibilities.

To highlight unique careers and companies in the welding and metal fabrication industries, the American Welding Society launches Metal America, a new video series streaming exclusively on YouTube.

Attracting and proficiently training welding students on a limited budget can be challenging, which is why Miller® developed MobileArc™ – an Augmented Reality Welding System that offers a convenient option that fits most budgets. Its highly-realistic, portable, and intuitive design is simple enough for students to self-learn so instructors can maximize efficiency in the classroom.

You need a boring corporate job to make $100,000 a year, right? Actually, no. If working in an office, sitting at your desk and being stuck in a cubicle all day doesn't sound like your "dream job," then you have other options.

Several different wire feeding methods can be used when narrow-groove-gas-metal-arc-welding heavy-section materials that have nearly square butt configurations and minimal groove widths of approximately 13 mm (½ in.).

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation is partnering with Vectis Automation to raise funds for scholarships to support welding students. In honor of National Welding Month, Vectis Automation will donate a percentage of each system sale during the month of April to the AWS Foundation.

After 137 years, resistance welding continues to be a tried-and-true process. Thanks to advancements and new equipment, such as the ones included here, resistance welding continues to be at the forefront of many industries.

Consuelo P. Lockhart, founder and executive director of the Latinas Welding Guild Inc., discusses her welding beginnings and the path she took to becoming an artist, a welder, and a welding advocate.

The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to announce the continued “Weld Wednesdays” partnership on the Arc Junkies podcast with host, Jason Becker. Since 2021, on the first Wednesday of each month, AWS Subject Matter Experts and Becker tackle a variety of welding-related topics such as Putting your VA Benefits to Work for You, Changes to the D1.1:2020 Structural Welding Code, AWS Codes and Standards, and more.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has launched its RobustFeed Pro Connect communication module so that users of competitive welders can increase performance and uptime by connecting to ESAB’s RobustFeed Pro portable wire feeder. RobustFeed Pro Connect works with Lincoln CV, Invertec V350 and Flextec 650 power sources and Miller Dimension and XMT models.

The birth of resistance welding (RW) goes back to the 19th century. Here, Don DeCorte, an American Welding Society (AWS) member for 42 years, shares stories and his thoughts about RW’s colorful history.

Stress-corrosion cracking occurs when cracks link corrosion pits, causing multiple cracks in all orientations in the base material of pressure vessels, pipes, and storage tanks.

The $100,000 first-place prize in the Project MFG™ 2022 Integrated Manufacturing National Championship, a competition for students in career and technical training programs, will be awarded at the four-team final round in May.

From robot kits to solder paste, this piece offers something for both the hobbyist and professional solderer.

Resistance welding (RW) is a thermo-electric welding process in which the weld is made by a combination of pressure and current. The process involves the joining of metals by applying controlled pressure and passing current through the metal area to be joined. There are several different forms of RW (e.g., spot, seam, projection, single-sided, bonding, cross wire, micro, flash, and upset welding) that differ primarily by the types and shapes of weld electrodes used to apply the pressure and conduct the current.

Tube fabricators in the automotive industry must detect surface-related issues such as mismatch, insufficient and excessive scarfing, and hairlike scratches. The only way to do this is with a laser-based surface inspection system.

Resistance welding (RW) may not generate the volume of fumes created by gas metal arc or shielded metal arc welding, but capturing what’s produced during this process must still take place.

Are you an author with materials joining technology and processes research to share with the world? Submit your abstract to be considered for presentation during the American Welding Society (AWS) Professional Program held November 8-10, 2022, at FABTECH in Atlanta, GA.

In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that ripped through Kentucky and several other states on December 10, one of the critical needs was to haul away massive amounts of debris and get businesses back up and running. To help these efforts, Harris Products Group came together with its distributor Airgas, an Air Liquide company, to quickly supply oxy-fuel torches and tips to several companies in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software recently introduced PlateSaver™, a new SureCut™ technology that automatically maximizes the number of parts on a plate for more profit per plate.

Welding automation technology can help junior welders perform more-challenging welds previously only performed by senior welders while also allowing senior welders to broaden and extend their careers.

Devoted members of the American Welding Society’s (AWS’s) Detroit Section, enthused registrants, and volunteers alike were thrilled to be together again at the Sheet Metal Welding Conference (SMWC) XIX held Nov. 2–4, 2021, at Laurel Manor, Livonia, Mich.

The American Welding Society (AWS) has a selection of standard welding procedure specifications (SWPSs) that can be used without qualification testing. But only one is for aluminum.

In January 1922, the American Welding Society (AWS) published the Proceedings of the American Welding Society, which over the years has been transformed into what is now the Welding Journal. This month, the Welding Journal celebrates its 100th year of continuous publication. Readers can look forward to an honorary column that will celebrate the past of our flagship magazine, a special 100-year anniversary issue in April, and more announcements to come.

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software,  announced its 2030 environmental sustainability goals, a set of four objectives the company will work to achieve this decade. The goals are designed to reduce Hypertherm’s use of resources, the carbon impact of its global operations, and address the impact caused by Hypertherm products in use.

Olympus recently donated OmniScan™ flaw detection equipment to LeTourneau University to support the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) inspectors. Olympus phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) specialists Curtis Dickinson and Rob Frashefski traveled to the campus in Longview, Texas to offer students in-person instruction.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products recently announced that all HKS brand equipment, which includes the flagship WeldQAS Quality Assurance System for real-time monitoring and recording of arc characteristics, have been rebranded as ESAB products. HKS Prozesstechnik GmbH was founded in 1994 in Halle, Germany. ESAB acquired HKS in 2017 to reinforce the company’s strategic focus on automated welding and grow its suite of ESAB Digital Solutions.

Power tools and their batteries are rugged instruments designed to perform tough jobs, but they still require care to maintain safe, optimum performance. There are steps users can take to extend tool and battery life, and help keep power tools operating at peak performance for a longer life cycle.

Learn why these three pipe and tube products are a cut above the rest.

Invigorated by a USA Luge silver medal World Cup team relay win in November 2021, and well poised with a range of planned activities, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world’s largest abrasives manufacturers and primary sponsor of the USA Luge Team, is prepared for an exciting competition at the Games in Beijing next month. As Norton | Saint-Gobain celebrates this year the 40^th anniversary of its partnership with the USA Luge Team, a scope of activities sponsored by Norton are slated to take place. Planned events include twenty “company watch parties” that will take place during the games, an Adopt-a-Luge athlete program, and a Luge Challenge event at a New England ski area.

Hampered by aging robotics and facing production challenges, a small company in Germany overcame its obstacles with newer, more-advanced technology.

The AWS Foundation is dedicated to increasing the welding workforce by providing grant funding to secondary, post-secondary and welder training facilities that seek to enhance and improve their welding education programs. Grant funding of up to $25,000 per location is awarded for facilities to make improvements, invest in capital items such as welding or metalworking equipment, or purchase/upgrade computers or computer-based training systems.

The closer you get to graduation, the more people seem to ask you, “What are you doing after high school?” It can be a really hard question to answer. A four-year college isn't the right path for everyone – especially when the average college student graduates with around $30,000 of debt or more.

An industrial robot can achieve more than three million aluminum arc starts per week using a push-only wire feed system. But while technology has improved the reliability of such systems, some proven tips should be followed.

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines play an essential part in countless manufacturing applications. They build these machines for processing a variety of materials, such as metal and plastic, and shape them into the required forms. Advanced technologies have also enabled CNC machines to become more powerful by featuring more axes for greater precision and enhancing operational efficiency. As CNC machines continue to evolve, they require more complicated components, faster operating speed, and greater attention to the machines’ operation status to avoid system downtime.

Companies and welders are always looking for ways to improve their efficiency and ability to tackle difficult jobs. These new automation products will help make the most of a company’s uptime.

In 2011, facing a dearth of experienced pressure vessel welders, Enerflex a global oil and natural gas manufacturing and services supplier, embarked on a crucial automation project. The result: enhanced productivity and safety.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining popularity among fabricators for a wide variety of reasons, but the limits of what it can achieve have not nearly been achieved, making its future very promising.

The American Welding Society Foundation will award more than $2 million in scholarships in 2022, and the deadline to apply for most National, District, and Section Scholarships is March 1. Here’s some advice on how to make your application the best possible.

3M Xtract™: Sanding, reimagined.

A discussion about additional certifications that enhance the CWI credential to broaden the inspection career.

ELCo Enterprises Inc. — a Michigan-based provider of welding wire products, torches, and cell support equipment — has always prided itself on supporting veterans in any way it can. The company was founded by a veteran, employs veterans, honors those who served, and has benefited from its association with the armed forces.

Welcome back to the third part of the series. In this feature, we are going to spend some time covering best practices for student success when attending welding school.

Multipass welding increases critical weld strength in applications where failure could be catastrophic, including heavy-duty structural fabrication and pipelines and pressure vessel fabrication. Proper preparation and cleaning are critical for attaining quality welds.

Learn about handheld tools and automated systems that can help you cut, shape, and remove material fast and efficiently.

On October 4–6, the brazing and soldering industry gathered in Denver, Colo., to share research, innovations, and fellowship at the 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC). 

If you're new to the inspection world or just looking to become a better inspector, you have a unique opportunity to make connections, gain knowledge that can boost your career, and keep your inspections business on the cutting edge during the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC), taking place February 23-25, 2022, in beautiful Fort Worth, Texas.

When it comes to the welding industry, reports commonly cite outdated statistics or inaccurate information. To be the industry leader in statistical data, the AWS Foundation launched Welding Workforce Data, a website dedicated to sharing accurate welding workforce statistics and projections.

Welding metallurgy is a critical component in infrastructure projects, but it’s often not completely understood among certain communities. With greater knowledge of welding processes and techniques, design-build teams may save money, reduce project liability, and improve profitability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the manufacturing and industrial landscape in the United States. As we emerge from it, the shortages and supply chain shocks prevalent in its early stages have generated renewed federal interest in reshoring manufacturing capabilities. New processing and control tools will impact much of the landscape that will arise from this planned reinvestment. Significant enhancements in computing power have driven the development of many advanced manufacturing routes enabled by machine learning, artificial intelligence, mechanistic modeling, and process automation.

Linde announced that its U.S. welding, industrial, medical and specialty gas distribution business, Praxair Distribution Inc., legally changed its name to Linde Gas & Equipment Inc., effective October 11. At the same time, Linde Gas North America LLC merged into the new company. The change capitalizes on the strength of the Linde name and aligns with the One Linde philosophy adopted when Linde AG and Praxair, Inc. merged in October 2018.

Welders depend on a multitude of tools to achieve their jobs, but the most important of these tools is personal protective equipment (PPE). Ranging from respirators to flame-resistant clothing, these new PPE can safeguard welders against the hazards present in the workplace.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many have reflected on the ways in which COVID-19 has completely changed the way companies do business as well as their workflow processes.

The pandemic has uprooted day-to-day routines and affected the ability of companies, large and small, to operate effectively. Businesses have had to adjust on the fly, shifting to remote work and streamlining their processes to stay afloat. But beyond profit and job losses, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing, revealing the warning signs of what might happen should it not receive proper funding.

Learn how to comply with the requirements of ASME Section IX, Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications during the How to Use ASME Section IX Conference, taking place October 26-28, 2021, in Miami, Fla.; and December 7-8, 2021 in Houston, Tex. 

Hello, future welding students! Welcome back to the second part of the series, where we explore the tools needed for your welding classes.

An inside glance at what it takes to make these intricate samples.

Even experienced operators make mistakes that can impact cut quality and consumable life. Many of the most common plasma-cutting and consumable issues can be avoided altogether by following the eight tips outlined in this article.

Dynetics Technical Solutions, Huntsville, Ala., is claiming to operate the largest electron beam welding system in the Western Hemisphere that enables its partners in the aerospace, defense, and commercial industries to manufacture with speed, scale, and quality.

The 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC) Conference will take place October 3–6 in Denver, Colo., as an in-person event.

Manufacturing Day or MFG Day, which officially falls on October 1, is the kick-off for manufacturing’s biggest celebration of the year that goes all month long!

The second American Welding Society (AWS) Women in Welding Conference was held virtually and focused on welding engineering.

High school welding apprentices at John Deere’s Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois, facilities got a surprise this summer. In addition to learning pulse welding, laying the perfect bead, and mastering weld sizes, Deere required their apprentices to take a communications course through a partnership with Iowa State University’s (ISU) English Department. Apprentice Ana Burke welding. 

On October 21, 2021, the American Welding Society is hosting "Tipos de Inspecciones para Soldadura Estructural," the first-ever Spanish-language AWS conference.

A significant value stream can be achieved by recovering brazed components after their life cycle.

With the Netflix premiere of the Metal Shop Masters series on September 10, welding and cutting now have a spotlight in mainstream entertainment programming.

IPG adds unique laser cleaning capabilities to the LightWELD handheld welder to provide fabricators better weld quality and simplified part finishing.

A review of product codes, standards, and personnel certification programs related to welding inspection in this challenging geographical area.

Newly released products for the brazing and soldering industry.

The evolution of electronics and devices must keep pace to meet today’s operator challenges. As technology in the electronics industry rapidly advances, electronic devices are getting smaller, faster, and more functional. Advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs) are now double-sided with stacked multiple layers. Thus, they are far more complex than conventional PCB designs and contain more components in tighter spaces, creating high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB configurations.

The advantages of using grinding wheels are widely known. However, when grinding wheels that spin at thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM) are damaged or misused, they can break into bullet-like fragments, leading to injury. Grinding safety is a vast subject, with seemingly limitless tips, but the following offers just a few key guidelines to keep top of mind.

The American Welding Society is gearing up for FABTECH 2021. And with all the AWS events taking place during the show, we invite you to start planning your FABTECH schedule to make the most out of our booths, networking events, and much more.

The thought of changing careers can bring up a wide range of emotions. At first, it’s exciting to think about getting out of your current dead-end job and doing something that’s more fulfilling. However, you may also be anxious about making it happen with your family responsibilities.

Electrogas welding is an arc welding process that uses an arc between a continuous filler metal electrode and the weld pool. Continue reading this article to learn much more, including advantages and limitations.

Dive into the latest naval news making waves — from contracts for the manufacture of naval nuclear reactor components and fuel to a dive tank for multiple subsea applications — and so much more.

As the world of welding, manufacturing, and fabrication continues to evolve and become more competitive, the success of any organization often hinges on the strength of its salesforce. As part of a continuing effort to create resources and training opportunities for our industry, the American Welding Society (AWS) launched "Solution Selling for Welding," an online course designed to help develop highly knowledgeable and effective sales personnel.

Transfer modes for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) play an important role in the level of quality and productivity that can be gained in a welding operation.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) welcomed more than 1400 registrants from around the world to the 19^th annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium. 2021 marked the symposium’s first virtual event.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: Laptop Table

It's official you signed up for welding class and are beginning the first steps to investing in your future. Good choice! Now let's help you get the most out of that education by giving you a handful of tips, tricks, and advice for this journey to a rewarding welding career. You probably think that with all the money you just dropped on this education that you should be good to go, and you won’t have to spend any more cash until next semester or your next class. Well, unfortunately, that's not -always going to be the case, as getting welding training is quite a bit different than any other traditional study or program. 

Your welding class is most likely going to require essential hand tools for daily tasks and course activities and the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform the course objectives safely. You're also probably going to have to purchase a few books for class along the way. The good news here- all the tools, books, and PPE you buy for school will be a major asset and used again when you graduate and start that first job as a welder. 

As a welding instructor, I have often dreamt about opening my own welder training facility but have always looked at it as an unobtainable dream. I can’t even begin to imagine how would I prepare myself to make my very own school a reality. With this in mind, I thought I would love to talk to someone with first-hand experience — so I asked Scott Raabe, who recently did the very thing I find so unobtainable in starting Precision Welding Academy, Katy, Tex. He gave me a glimpse into his teaching styles and what it takes to open a training facility.

Cunningham of North Carolina was announced as the AWS Take the Torch campaign winner. He won a custom AWS welding helmet.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: Scrap Cart

Find out how using CAD models can help you create and verify modular fixturing designs for increased efficiency in the workshop.

Most components produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 manufacturers are welded using robots, but the majority of the welds are still manually visually inspected.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: a Bird House!

Recently released products designed to increase quality and productivity for a variety of automotive applications.

For Stephanie Hoffman, welding isn’t just a job – it’s part of her identity. Watch the video to find out how welding has allowed her to pursue her artistic passion and find a career she loves.

Like many industries, the shipbuilding trade is navigating rough waters. An increasingly difficult business environment from consolidation, slowing growth rates, and uncertain political waters, combined with a critical shortage of workers as well as the global COVID-19 pandemic, has left many shipbuilders struggling to survive.

Just like in the corporate world, ambitious welders can gain experience to bolster their resume, build specialty skills and obtain more senior-level roles. Let’s look at four ways you can climb the ladder in the welding field.

Join brazing and soldering professionals at the 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC).

Professional and amateur welders alike demand high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and gloves — and for good reason.

The AWS Foundation's Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is gearing up to hit the road for its 2021 tour. Since 2011, the Careers in Welding Trailer has been a driving force for welding education and career development.  Sponsored by Lincoln Electric, the 53-foot single-expandable trailer provides visitors with a unique learning experience. Its wide array of hands-on exhibits engages the senses and sparks an interest in the welding industry.

After almost two years of missed connections and collaborations, FABTECH 2021 convenes in Chicago, IL., on September 13-16, 2021. And the American Welding Society is pleased to announce its plans for the four-day event.

Here’s a range of recent news from Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota City, Japan; Ford Motor Co., Detroit, Mich.; Alcoa Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa.; BMW Mfg., Spartanburg, S.C.; and General Motors (GM), Detroit, Mich.

Life is full of unexpected turns. For Sarah Stork, moving to a farm in Georgetown, Tex., proved to be the catalyst that launched her career as a metal artist.

John Deere, Moline, Ill., is utilizing Intel’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, piloting a solution that uses computer vision to automatically spot common defects in the automated welding process in its manufacturing facilities.

The first time Tony Bilski tried welding, it changed his life forever. Now he runs his own fabrication company and has been hired for projects across the country. 

Nondestructive examination plays an important role in equipment diagnosis during the maintenance of welded structures. However, inspection using ultrasonic flaw detection can be difficult or even impossible if the weld is inaccessible. The good news is that new remote visual inspection (RVI) technologies have been developed that enable highly efficient and accurate weld inspection. Testing methods are also diversifying.

On March 25, in honor of Women’s History Month, more than 200 professionals gathered around their computers to attend the first-ever Women in Welding Conference.

More than 70 years after first entering service, hundreds of vintage Chipmunk airplanes remain airworthy around the world, mainly as trainer aircraft. Repair and maintenance of many of their components remain a challenge due to lack of components as well as process temperature sensitivity. Fortunately, there is cold spray, a solid-state metal consolidation process that can be used to dimensionally restore components made of materials that are highly sensitive to elevated process temperatures.

SAN DIEGO, CA — Free career training is the best way to stay ahead in a pandemic economy. The award-winning welding program at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is preparing graduates for in-demand careers at General Dynamics NASSCO and with national union apprenticeships.

For lead singer, Brittany Wallace and former educator, Sarah McKee, the COVID-19 crisis was an opportunity to learn a trade.

Wallace, 33, frontwoman for local soul band, The Anodynes, came to SDCCE hoping to build a lucrative career. “There is no performing live right now, I had to think of other creative ways to make an income,” she said.

For no cost, students can specialize in one to five welding certificates: Shielding Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Pipe Welding and Metal Fabrication at SDCCE, the fourth college of the San Diego Community College District.
Following nearly a year of campus closures, SDCCE adopted hybrid options for hard-to-transition classes—skilled and technical trades. Smaller class sizes are meeting for hands-on learning at SDCCE’s outdoor welding yard located in Mountain View while others are learning remotely, studying blueprint reading, welding symbols, theory, and math.
In addition to playing San Diego venues, Wallace worked in the restaurant business for 15 years, an industry she believed would always be profitable.

Nearly 40% of all jobs lost during the pandemic in California have been in the hospitality industry, reported Business Insider.

“I worked in hospitality for as long as I could remember. I thought serving was essential,” she said. “It was a huge relief to find affordable job training and to learn that the welding industry is always looking for new talent. There is so much to do from robotics and aerospace, to the military and shipyards.”

Wallace is working toward earning all five welding certificates from SDCCE.

One of the greatest challenges facing the construction industry today is prolonged talent shortages, reported Nationwide. Despite the pressing need to recruit more workers, the construction industry has traditionally failed to recruit one key demographic in sizable numbers. Women make up only 9.3% of the construction industry's workforce.

To equalize access for minority populations joining the building and construction trades, SDCCE awards grants to students enrolled in a nontraditional area of study and provides opportunity to enter union apprenticeships.

SDCCE’s 2021 spring welding program enrolled nine female welders, a rising number compared to past records. The cohort includes McKee, 28, who left her teaching career to weld.

“I love education, but I didn’t want to do it anymore. I want to build things with my hands again,” she said.

Prior to working as a high school teacher, McKee majored in theatre arts and mathematics at California Lutheran University, where she worked in the theatre department as a carpenter and a tech director building props and lighting.

After months of online learning, McKee was overjoyed when SDCCE campuses safely reopened. “I was very excited to get in and physically weld,” she said. “Plus, it's amazing that the training is free, otherwise I wouldn't have the money or time to go back to graduate school.”

Following her studies at SDCCE, McKee plans to pursue a specialty in underwater welding.

For more information visit, SDCE.EDU. For interviews contact, Allura Garis at alluragaris@gmail.com.

Copper, the first metal manipulated by humans to make everything from tools to jewelry, is now making headlines for another reason — its antimicrobial properties.

Meet Kayla Johnson — a 26-year-old journeywoman welder who is not only respected for her quality work but is also a woman who wants to inspire other females to join the trade.

When Jake Ross retired from the military, he wanted a career that would allow him to gain new skills and offer opportunities for advancement. After becoming a welder and learning about robotics, he worked his way up to become a sales manager.

Welding is among the most crucial and essential skilled trades that impact everyday life, yet the number of skilled welding technicians and professionals continues to decrease. It is anticipated that by 2024, over 300,000 welders will be necessary to satisfy our nation’s workforce demands (Emsi, 2021). To impact this decline, the American Welding Society has launched a new initiative targeting students and early career welders, titled "AWS Certified."

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announced recipients of its 2021 Spark Something Great educational grant.

Engineering can be an exciting career path. You get to combine science and creativity to solve problems and build important things. You could have the opportunity to travel for different projects. And you can make an excellent living doing it.

Handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, more commonly called handheld XRF or HHXRF, are useful tools for installing new or replacement sections in a welding project. Here are three best practices to perform accurate weld analysis with HHXRF analyzers.

Four schools across four states battle in one advanced manufacturing competition – this is Project MFG’s National Challenge that premiered in a new pilot, Clash of Trades, on YouTube, April 20, 2021.

This article informs of products that are designed to increase productivity for a variety of applications involving pipe and tube, including transporting, heating, cutting, and welding.

The National Center for Welding Education and Training (Weld-Ed) has announced its 2021 professional development workshop series, which features seven state-of-the-art training modules designed exclusively for welding educators and industrial trainers.

Like their logo that reflects a welding helmet surrounded by bright yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue flowers, the Latinas Welding Guild Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., blossoms.

The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to introduce a new pathway for certain IIW diploma holders to achieve the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, through the “CWI by IIW Waiver” program.

Science and technology are evolving at a rapid pace. Computers and digital tech get most of the attention but they’re not the only areas that deserve credit. In fact, many of the latest breakthroughs are made from metal and built using traditional fabrication processes such as welding.

Critical pipe welding applications often require preheating and possibly postweld heat treatment to reduce the chances of cracking. Learning different methods and proper application of welding preheat can help save time and money.

Pennsylvania College of Technology welding faculty and students spent over 3,500 total hours fabricating an aluminum structure unveiled recently at the Botanical Garden of Rome. The Penn College crew used nearly 5,000 feet of aluminum – about 16 football fields in length – to build the four walls for the chapel, designed to integrate nature, art, music and architecture.  

Millennials represent more than a quarter of the world’s population. To help foster the next generation of young professionals in the welding industry, the American Welding Society is proud to announce a new membership initiative — Take the Torch.

The American Welding Society (AWS), Miami, Fla., recently launched the AWS ARCademy video series.

Sean Flottmann, or "@dabswellington", as most of you know him, took a moment to talk about his career and rise in social media, as well as share some advice for those who aspire to be like him. Flottmann first got into making welded art early in his career, creating small gifts such as figurines for friends and family. His first project was a replica of a drum set complete with cymbals, threaded hi-hat and a figure with hair made of gas metal arc welding wire.

Nondestructive examination (NDE) techniques range from simple manual and visual tests to sophisticated technologies that can detect surface and subsurface flaws, porosity, variations in metallurgical structure, and other discontinuities without having to destroy, damage, or waste assets. 

This year, IRONMAN competitors in St. George, Utah, will have more than cheering fans waiting for them at the finish line. An M-dot sculpture crafted by Rick Prazen and his son, Josh, will greet them in a roundabout near the end of the race.

April is National Welding Month. In its honor, AWS is offering several promotions and activities.

To conduct inspections, professionals rely on a variety of tools that allow them to assess the quality of a component and its suitability for an intended application.

Production technology company TRUMPF, Ditzingen, Germany, delivered a global experience with its virtual INTECH 2021 exhibition held on March 22 and 23. Approximately 3000 people from around the world registered for the in-house trade show, which highlighted the company’s newest sheet-metal fabrication and laser technologies.

Tune in as ArcJunkies host Jason Becker interviews Nate Bowman, a CWI, CWE, and CWS. Nate shares his experience on becoming a Certified Welding Supervisor and how it's helped him with his welding career.

Experience the journey of two female welding and metal fabricating artists as they collaborate from a distance on one single piece of welded artwork in this exciting “Arc 2 Art,” video series.

Resistance welding is one of the most robust, proven and simple of the various welding processes, and is used primarily in the manufacture of automobiles, appliances, wire products, sheet metal products, and more.

Akbar Millender’s competitive spirit has helped him climb the ladder at his manufacturing company – from a grinder out of high school to his current role as an operations manager.

Through April 30, the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO), in partnership with the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation, is accepting nominations for the 2021 Excellence in Welding Awards.

ABB has launched a weekly podcast series featuring experts from industry and academia to explore the cutting edge of robotics and is also introducing two next generation collaborative robots (cobots).

Asnuntuck Community College has become an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility (ATF) in Connecticut. Students enrolled in the college’s welding program will have an opportunity to earn certifications.

Iowa-based Gail Chavenelle is proof that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure. At the age of 50, the former school teacher became a full-time metal sculptor.

Richard Prazen, a blacksmith and metal sculptor in South Jordan, Utah, has honed this skill with more than 55 years in the welding and manufacturing industry. In his hands, pieces of metal come to life as soaring eagles and giant spiders.

Hypertherm, Hanover, N.H., a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, is accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program.

This ambitious, 27-year-old CWI has put his trade talents to good use. Do you have a cup of coffee to sip on while reading this profile? If not, go get one or fetch your favorite beverage to enjoy alongside learning about Cole Warner.  

The process of converting aluminum ore into the aluminum that we know and use every day was discovered relatively recently.

Not everyone can remember the exact moment they decided what to do with their life. Zach Taylor can. He was 18 years old and following his father’s footsteps working in construction. One day he was carrying 2x4 lumber up a ladder. His back hurt and he said to himself, “This isn’t for me.”

The benefits of incorporating portable laser vision inspection into a weld quality system are discussed.

Jason Hammer of Rhoads Industries shares how welding can be a great career choice for anyone and what it is like to be working in the maritime industry as a welder. As a welding apprentice, Jason Hammer found a way to make good money out of high school and work a job he’s passionate about.

Jonathan Meyer went to art school but after being introduced to welding, he changed his career path. Since then has worked many jobs that are both personally and financially rewarding. He also uses his metalworking skills to create unique art.

After serving your country, you’re entitled to certain military benefits to help you transition back to civilian life and set yourself up for a long, successful career. One of the biggest programs available is the G.I. Bill. The surprising fact is that since 2009, only 51% of eligible veterans have used their G.I. Bill education benefits.

When starting most careers, there's a set path that you must follow, which can often be very long. For example, if you want to be a public accountant, you'll have to go to college and earn a four-year degree. Then you have to study for and pass a series of exams to be certified, which can add another year or two until you reach your goal.

When you think of a welding job, you probably picture someone welding two pieces of metal by hand in a shop or construction site. Sure, those are important, in-demand and high-paying jobs. But they’re only the tip of the iceberg.Welding isn’t just for building bridges and ships. It’s an important process in so many parts of our lives – many you haven’t thought of. So whether you like cutting-edge technology, motorsports, art or just have a sense of adventure, there’s a surprisingly awesome welding job waiting for you.

Timing can be everything in life. If you’re contemplating a career change, you don’t want to rush into a decision but you also don’t want to put it off any longer than necessary. It’s also important to join an industry that is booming today but also has a good long-term outlook – otherwise, in a few years you could find yourself in a similar position of feeling stuck or unsatisfied with your job.

Since you were little, you’ve been asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Now that high school graduation is on the horizon, it’s time to start really thinking about career options. There are many factors to consider, like how easy it is to find a job in your field, how much education or training is required, and how much jobs usually pay.

But, also consider this – the average age of retirement for Americans is 63. That’s a long time to be doing a job that you hate. So you don’t just want just any career that comes along – you want one that you’re excited about and is something you can take pride in.

Have you ever thought about getting into welding? It’s not your typical job – and we mean that in a good way. It’s a career that can allow you to make a great living that also fits with many different personal interests. You should consider welding if you…

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will hold 12 jobs between the ages of 18 and 50. Some of these changes are small – like moving to a new company in the same industry. But some are major – such as changing to a completely new career.

Here's something fun for the mini welders: DIY welding activities! Stephanie Hoffman of the AWS Foundation has teamed up with her daughter to encourage the next generation of welders to weld and create. This week's project: a Diamond Shelf!

To achieve long-lasting performance out of your gas metal arc gun, inspect its liners, tips and other essential components.

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is an arc welding process that uses an arc between a continuously fed consumable electrode and the weld pool. The process is used along with shielding from an externally supplied gas and without the application of pressure.

Explore the challenges encountered with small-diameter orbital weld inspection.

Ford Motor Co. is targeting production of 100 million medical-grade masks through 2021, General Motors has received N95 certification under NIOSH, and a partnership between Honda and GM is producing hand sanitizer.

Highlighting the strength of this market, and the high demand for arc welding products, 2020 and 2021 saw the release of many products designed to simplify arc welding.

The hazards of confined spaces and the processes necessary to work in them safely are outlined

The COVID-19 pandemic has differing impacts on businesses of all types across all industries.

Are you an author with materials joining technology and processes research to share with the world? Submit your abstract to be considered for presentation during the American Welding Society (AWS) Professional Program held virtually September 20–23, the week after FABTECH 2021. 

As a third-generation welder, Anthony Gates Mafra learned how to work with metal from his father. His career has allowed him to see different parts of the world, and now is helping him settle down to raise his own family.