AWS Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Skilled Workforce for 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week!

The American Welding Society (AWS) has announced its continued dedication to advancing a skilled workforce in celebration of the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which will take place from November 17-23, 2024. As part of this important milestone, AWS has issued a proclamation underscoring the critical role of registered apprenticeships in building a qualified workforce, creating well-paying career opportunities, and addressing the growing skills gap in industries like welding, inspection, and automation.

In a statement, AWS President Michael Krupnicki emphasized the significance of apprenticeships in the welding industry. He highlighted how National Apprenticeship Week serves as an opportunity for the industry to invest in its future, reinforcing the importance of hands-on, paid training for the next generation of welders and technicians. According to Krupnicki, apprenticeships are not just about filling jobs but also about creating rewarding, lucrative career paths that allow individuals to advance their skills and thrive in the workforce.

“Through registered apprenticeships, we can address the skills gap and create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds, especially those from historically underserved communities,” Krupnicki said. “National Apprenticeship Week provides us with the perfect opportunity to recognize the value of these programs and the benefits they bring to individuals and the entire industry.”

Registered apprenticeship programs are essential for strengthening the welding workforce and supporting industries that are critical to national infrastructure, such as clean energy, manufacturing, and the supply chain. To support employers in launching or enhancing their apprenticeship programs, AWS has developed weldingapprenticeship.com, a comprehensive online resource hub that provides guidance and best practices for structuring apprenticeship programs. These programs can focus on welding, welding inspection, and automation technology, offering employers a structured pathway to train the next generation of workers.

The AWS is calling on industry leaders and employers to champion apprenticeship programs in order to help fill the skilled labor gap and support the long-term growth of the welding industry. By offering hands-on, paid training and career development, apprenticeships can play a vital role in providing young people with rewarding opportunities in industries that are essential to the country’s economic development.