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Conference

Welding

W5: Best Practices for Welding Apprenticeships

  • Date

  • Time

  • Location

    S217

Overview

As the skilled welding workforce ages out and demand for qualified welders keeps climbing, more companies are turning to apprenticeship programs. But welding apprenticeships aren't one-size-fits-all, and getting the design wrong is costly. This panel brings together experienced program leaders for an honest look at what it actually takes to train a welder from entry-level to journey-level.

Panelists will dig into what makes their programs work, from structuring shop-floor mentorship and aligning training with national standards, to the practical trade-offs behind key design decisions and what actually drives retention once an apprentice is on the floor.
Attendees will leave with practices they can realistically implement at their own shop, along with a look at how the AWS Foundation can help save time and money along the way.

About the Speakers

  • Catherine Brumbaugh

    Lexicon

    Biography

    As Director of Training & Development at Lexicon, Catherine Brumbaugh is passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for employees to reach their full potential. She leads workforce development, leadership development, apprenticeships, and trades training initiatives that support Lexicon's growing workforce across steel fabrication, industrial construction, golf course construction, and maintenance operations. With nearly 25 years of experience in talent management, leadership development, employee engagement, and workforce training, Catherine has built her career helping individuals and organizations thrive. Her experience spans multiple industries, including energy, manufacturing, construction, and industrial services, where she has focused on designing practical learning solutions that drive business results while developing talent at every level. Today, Catherine leads the vision for Lexicon University, creating innovative learning pathways for skilled trades, frontline leaders, and professional employees. She is committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening leadership pipelines, and ensuring every employee has access to development experiences tailored to their unique strengths and career aspirations. Through her work, she is helping build a future-ready workforce to build America.

    More Details about Catherine

  • Jennie Traut-Todaro

    American Institute of Steel Construction

    Biography

    As the AISC Director of Workforce Development, Jennie advocates for the world of skilled trades and celebrates the incredible people who build the world around us. She develops programs to help address the skilled labor shortage by connecting individuals seeking fulfilling, hands-on careers with the structural steel industry, where opportunities and training are readily available. Her passion for the built environment started early and led her to study architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, followed by training and practicing as both an architect and structural engineer. That experience developed her focus on design and problem-solving. Now, Jennie is using that foundation to create dynamic workforce development programs and champion the skilled trades. She’s working to challenge outdated ideas about what a career in the trades looks like and open doors for a more diverse and talented workforce to thrive in this essential industry.

    More Details about Jennie

Pricing & Registration

Price
Weld-Ed Conference $75
One-Hour Sessions FREE
90-Minute Sessions $200
Half-Day Sessions $550
Full-Day Sessions $600
Professional Program $425

Price
1 Session $125
2 Sessions $225
3 Sessions $300
4-8 Sessions $450

Price
Individual Sessions $220
Workshops $600
Full Conference (5-10 Sessions) $900

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