AWS District directors share insights on this April celebration
National Welding Month, celebrated every April, is an important time to recognize the vital role welding plays in modern society. The month-long observance shines a spotlight on the contributions of welders and the skills and expertise required in this critical trade.
The Welding Journal asked several AWS District directors what National Welding Month means to them and what their Sections are doing to celebrate.
Our Sections typically hold meetings and tours during the month of April to recognize National Welding Month. Since 2023, District 1 has tried to schedule our Annual District 1 Conference in April to coincide with National Welding Month celebrations. This has been the case for the past two years (and will be close this year, right at the beginning of May/end of April). Also, last year, the welding program department staff at White Mountain Community College in Berlin, N.H., planned and hosted a Welding Instructor Professional Development Day event in April specifically to coincide with National Welding Month. This event will be held at the college again this year, and I will be there representing AWS once again.”
— Tim Kinnaman, District 1 director
To me, National Welding Month is an opportunity to promote the trade that has had the biggest impact on my career. As a trades advocate, I like to watch students’ (or their parents’) expressions change when their curiosity about welding wakes up and they start thinking about the part they can play in our welding community. This is my first year as a District director during National Welding Month, and I look forward to visiting a fabricator or shipyard during an April Section meeting.”
— Justin Mixon, District 2 director
National Welding Month, to me, is celebrating the past and current enhancements to our daily lives. Without welding, much of what we do as humans today would not be possible. Every facet of our lives is impacted by welding at some point, and because of this, welding as a whole should be celebrated for making our daily lives better throughout the world. Outside of the normal Section meetings, our Sections celebrate the month by holding student welding competitions and reflecting on the advancements and continual desire to improve the industry and how it is viewed by those who do not understand welding.”
— Bradley Brandmeir, District 3 director
National Welding Month is a time that I like to use to interact with my Sections and see what is happening in their areas and brainstorm ideas on how to better promote AWS and gain new members and supporting companies. In the past, I have visited my state representative and had them write up a declaration stating that Pennsylvania acknowledges that April is National Welding Month. Some of my Sections also hold their social meetings in April so members will bring their significant other or friends to the event.”
— Thomas Kostreba, District 10 director
National Welding Month is an opportunity to highlight welding activities and the impact welding has on industry and the skilled trades in the United States. This year, the Detroit and Saginaw Valley Sections will be assisting AWS President Dick Holdren when he visits Mott Community College and Genesee Career Institute in Flint, Mich., to give presentations about AWS.”
— Wesley Doneth, District 11 director
National Welding Month is a time for us to reflect on the important strides generations have made in welding and modernization. It’s about reflecting on our journey and career paths, connecting with others, knowledge transfer, and camaraderie. We recognize the significant people who have influenced us, just as we have influenced them, in the creation and stability of the United States. This month, several of our Sections are hosting technical meetings, touring college welding programs, participating in SkillsUSA, and holding a tour at one of the local fabrication shops.”
— Nicholas Martinez, District 21 director
After being directly involved in welding for the past 40-plus years, I am thrilled to see that the majority of our community is recognizing that welding and welding-related trades are fascinating careers. The ‘College for All’ movement has finally embraced the idea that education comes in many forms, not just through traditional college pathways. Being part of our senior welding community, I find National Welding Month to be an emotional validation of my many years of work. It was also extra rewarding to be able to work as a welding educator for many years while I was also an active tradesman. This hybrid career has been an excellent success and allowed me to bring the educational and industrial worlds together. National Welding Month is a great time to reflect and look forward to a more productive future for all who engage in welding. Our Sections have many community college and high school partners who host welding events and contests during the month of April, and our most important outreach will be during the various contests throughout the District.”
— Randy Emery, District 22 director
Conclusion
National Welding Month serves as an annual reminder of the vital role welding plays in our world. It highlights
the incredible skill, innovation, and importance of welders in every industry, from manufacturing and infrastructure to technology and safety. Welding not only drives economic growth and advances in technology but also ensures the safety and sustainability of the structures and products we rely on. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of welders, National Welding Month fosters a greater appreciation for their work and encourages the next generation to pursue this rewarding and vital profession. WJ
CINDY WEIHL is senior editor of the Welding Journal.
Celebrate National Welding Month with AWS
This year, under the theme “Connected by Welding: Bridging Communities and Industries,” AWS honors how welding unites people, strengthens industries, and builds the infrastructure that brings us together. Here’s how to connect, win, and save with AWS during National Welding Month.
Connect with AWS throughout April
Join the conversation all month long on social media by using the hashtag #NWM2025.
Show your welding pride by downloading the National Welding Month logo. Digital banners and other resources are also available for download and can be used to post and share online or on social media on our National Welding Month page at weld.ng/nwm2025.
My Welding Story on AWS’s Instagram will spotlight stories from across the welding community, showcasing how welding has shaped careers, lives, and industries. Among those featured will be AWS President Richard L. Holdren and AWS CEO Carey Chen, who have recorded their welding journeys. Want to share your story? Make sure you’re following @americanweldingsociety on Instagram and check back for details on how you can be featured in our stories. One new story will be shared each weekday on Instagram stories.
Listen to the Weld Wednesday Podcast for a special National Welding Month episode airing on Wednesday, April 2. Listen to the episode at weld.ng/podcast and join host Jason Becker and his special guest AWS President Richard L. Holdren as they discuss “The State of the Welding Industry: 2025 Insights and Predictions.”
Save and Win with AWS
Take advantage of exclusive membership promotions and giveaways for Individual, Early Career, and Student Members by visiting weld.ng/nwm2025.
Save on an AWS membership by using promo code NWM2025. When you join as an Individual Member using the promo code, you’ll receive three extra months of membership for free. That means 15 months of exclusive access to industry-leading resources, networking opportunities, and discounts that help you stay ahead in your career.
Existing member promotions during April are offered to the following:
Early Career Members: Enter to win $75 in AWS merchandise store credit.
Student Members: Enter to win one of five exclusive hats.
Corporate Members: Receive 25% off membership pricing for job postings at jobsinwelding.com. Active AWS Corporate Members can receive the 25% coupon by emailing the AWS Membership Operations team at [email protected].
Members save at the AWS Bookstore during April with a 35% discount off list and member prices for hard copies of the Welding Handbook. Shipping is excluded from the discount.
AWS education discounts on self-paced online courses will be offered at a 15% discount throughout April.
Pledge and receive a gift when you donate to the AWS Foundation this month. By becoming an AWS Workforce Torchbearer, you support scholarships, education, and workforce development programs that inspire the next generation of welders. Pledge $5 per month and receive an exclusive AWS Foundation-branded shirt. Pledge $10 per month and receive the AWS Foundation-branded shirt and a hat.
Enter to win a custom helmet by visiting the National Welding Month site.