American Welding Society (AWS) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The American Welding Society (AWS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1919 with a global mission to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes [including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying]. AWS serves welding professionals and industries to protect and improve lives. With over 73,000 members worldwide, AWS is composed of 22 districts with 250 sections and student chapters.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Develop and publish standards to ensure the quality and safety of welded products.

Offer training and certification programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of welders and other professionals.

Promote scientific research in welding technologies and provide a forum for exchanging technical knowledge.

Address the shortage of qualified welding personnel through educational programs, scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development initiatives.

Engage members and stakeholders in establishing a culture within the welding community that welcomes and celebrates differences among people.

Specialization Areas

Standards development for ensuring quality and safety in welding.

Training and certification programs for welding professionals.

Advancement of knowledge through research and technical forums.

Workforce development to address personnel shortages.

Community engagement to promote diversity and inclusion.

Target Markets

Welding professionals across various industries.

Educational institutions offering welding programs.

Industries requiring welding and joining processes.

Organizations involved in standards development and certification.

Students and individuals seeking careers in welding.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

AWS has an estimated annual revenue of $75 million.

The AWS Foundation supports industry growth through career programs, scholarships, and grants to educational institutions.

In 2024, AWS awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

AWS Academy: Offers a comprehensive welding technology curriculum for educational institutions.

AWS Skills Centers: Provides face-to-face training centers for exploring welding career opportunities.

Welding Automation Specialist National Guideline Standard (NGS): Establishes a nationally recognized apprenticeship framework for training skilled professionals in automated welding.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

AWS promotes innovation through the development of standards and codes used globally.

It supports the integration of new technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and process digitalization to optimize quality and efficiency in welding.

AWS Digital Library: A cloud-based system that offers welding technology and related content.

AWS WeldLink: A career planning and management system designed to connect individuals, businesses, and schools in the welding industry.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Carey Chen: Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Manages the organization and sets strategic direction.

Alicia Garcia: Managing Director, Education & Training

Annette Alonso: Managing Director, Publishing

Cassie Burrell: Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Membership Development

Denny Smith: Managing Director, Certification

Gesana Villegas: CFO

Tatiana N. Milan: Chief People Officer

Richard Arn: Vice President of Welding Technology.

Recent Leadership Changes

Carey Chen was appointed as Executive Director and CEO, effective January 20, 2025, succeeding Robert Roth.

Michael Krupnicki was appointed President of AWS for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024, following the death of President Dennis Eck.

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Institute of Physics: A non-profit scientific research organization.

ETR Associates: A private non-profit organization offering science-based health and education products and programs.

American Physical Society: A nonprofit organization promoting and diffusing knowledge of physics.

SPIE (Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers): An international society for optics and photonics technology.

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The welding industry is experiencing a high demand for skilled professionals.

Approximately 82,500 welding jobs need to be filled annually between 2024 and 2028, with about 330,000 new welding professionals needed by 2028.

Factors driving this demand include industry growth, a skills gap, and anticipated attrition due to retirements and career changes.

8. Strategic Partnerships

ASNT (The American Society for Nondestructive Testing): A strategic certification alliance to harmonize requirements for certifications and expand the global reach of both organizations.

WorldSkills International: AWS is a Global Industry Partner, collaborating to improve welding capacities worldwide.

WEMCO (An Association of Welding Manufacturers): Provides a space for leaders focusing on market trends and needs.

RWMA (Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance): Advances resistance welding technologies.

ITSA (International Thermal Spray Association): Celebrates the ways thermal spray technology can benefit industries and societies.

9. Operational Insights

AWS differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach to welding industry support, including standards development, certification, education, and workforce development.

Its certification programs, such as the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program, are well-recognized and contribute to career advancement.

AWS also focuses on addressing the talent gap by promoting welding as a high-tech, high-skill industry and offering training programs to attract a younger and more diverse talent pool.