American Welding Society’s Educational Opportunities & Events at FABTECH
With the 2025 theme of “The Future of Welding is Here,” AWS will host a daily podcast, offer training sessions, hold welding competitions & much more…
FABTECH will be back at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, from Sept. 8-11, where the American Welding Society (AWS) is planning to present a week of exclusive educational opportunities and events. Attendees will discover what’s new and what’s next for manufacturing equipment, industry-specific innovations, and advanced solutions to boost productivity and efficiency. This year’s theme, “The Future of Welding is Here,” highlights AWS’s dedication to connecting, collaborating and shaping the future of the welding industry, company officials stated in a press release.
“AWS always brings out the big guns, featuring the best presenters in the world,” said Lawrence Bower, CWI and long-time attendee. “This attracts top talent, making the workshops and seminars superb, and the networking with other attendees truly special.”
At AWS’s main booth, attendees can learn about educational programs and certifications, special deals on AWS memberships, and enter to win giveaways, including a custom welding helmet.
Events, Opportunities & Sessions Presented by AWS at FABTECH
Arc Junkies Podcast Sessions: Welding industry veteran Jason Becker will host daily live podcast sessions at 10:30 a.m. from the AWS booth. These candid conversations include the following topics, plus a live Q&A.
- Starting a Welding Business: What I Wish I Knew
- Welder to Inspector: Making the Leap Without Losing Your Identity
- Workforce Concerns Beyond Skilled Labor Shortages
Panel Discussion: Welding the Future—Connecting Education, Certification and Industry
Hear from educators, employers and workforce professionals on Wednesday, September 10, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. during a conversation on how they are working together to prepare the next generation of welding professionals. This panel will explore innovative partnerships, evolving curriculum needs and real-world strategies to close the skills gap.
Arcs and Ales Mixer: Hosted by Jason Becker of the Arc Junkies podcast on Wednesday, September 10, from 6-8 p.m., attendees will gather at the Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick for networking, beer, soda and appetizers (while supplies last)..
AWS Bookstore: AWS will be offering 40% off all AWS publications and toolkits from show-floor inventory (excluding replicas or third-party publications).
AWS Welding Track: Maintain certification or earn PDHs with sessions led by industry experts, focusing on best practices and new developments in welding and manufacturing.
AWS Professional Program: Sessions on materials joining technology and processes, including additive manufacturing.
Poster Session: Explore graphic displays of technical achievements in welding and support students competing for cash prizes.
Welding Competition: Attendees will test their skills in a high-energy challenge with daily cash prizes ($20 cash entry, ages 18+).
AWS Foundation: The AWS Foundation awards over $3 million in scholarships, grants and fellowships to advance welding education. Visit the AWS booth to learn more about AWS scholarships and grants.
AWS Foundation Careers in Welding Mobile Experience: Sponsored by Lincoln Electric and Build Submarines, attendees can learn more about career opportunities in the welding field, and be the high score on virtual welding machines for a chance to win a daily $1,000 scholarship.
