The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to introduce a new pathway for certain IIW diploma holders to achieve the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, through the “CWI by IIW Waiver” program.
The traditional route of earning the CWI credential is by passing a three-part exam: Part A (Fundamentals) tests general welding knowledge, Part B (Practical) involves hands-on testing of welding inspection techniques and Part C (open codebook) tests knowledge of a particular welding codebook.
IIW diploma holders have a unique opportunity to streamline the process of earning the CWI credential. By submitting evidence of one of the following IIW diplomas, they can apply for a waiver from taking Part A (Fundamentals) and need only to pass Part B (Practical) and Part C (Open codebook) exams to possess both IIW and AWS credentials: International Welding Engineer (IWE), International Welding Technologist (IWT)International Welding Specialist (IWS), International Welding Inspection (IWIP-C , IWIP-S, IWIP-B).
“In this competitive global environment, having dual credentials through both AWS and IIW can provide a competitive edge,” commented John Gayler, AWS’ Senior VP of Welding and Technology. “By offering the CWI by IIW Waiver program, AWS has paved the way for IIW diploma holders to possibly open career opportunities. And the price has been adjusted as IIW diploma holders only need to take two exams instead of three!”
New Online Sales Training Course
As the world of welding, manufacturing, and fabrication continues to evolve and become more competitive, the success of any organization often hinges on the strength of its salesforce. As part of a continuing effort to create resources and training opportunities for our industry, the American Welding Society (AWS) is proud to announce the release of “Solution Selling for Welding,” an online course designed to help develop highly knowledgeable and effective sales personnel.
Created in tandem with welding industry experts with decades of sales and engineering experience, this course focuses on two key aspects: foundational welding concepts and the “solution selling” methodology. Collectively, this provides welding salespeople with a strong, well-rounded foundation of technical knowledge and helps them incorporate a sales approach centered around solving problems and adding value.
“Welding salespeople are a critical part of the welding community,” said Gary W. Konarska II, Executive Director & CEO. “They are the frontline connection between the latest technology and innovation, and how it is specifically applied to the unique needs of each end-user customer.”
This self-paced, online course is ideal for corporate members, businesses, and individuals looking to stay competitive in the welding industry and bolster their sales efforts.
“The Solution Selling for Welding course will enable salespeople to better support the implementation of productivity improvements on the factory floor,” said Mr. Konarska. “These productivity improvements can lead to increased profitability, increased throughput, and a further strengthening of the welding industry.”
AWS Foundation Grant Provides Starter Welding Kits to High Schools
The need for welders has reached a critical point, and the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation, in partnership with Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is bringing the welding experience back to high school with the Light a Spart Grant.
“The AWS Foundation is extremely pleased to offer these grants to high schools that do not currently offer a welding program, thus providing hundreds of students the opportunity to experience welding for the first time and consider the possibility of welding as a career,” said Monica Pfarr, AWS Foundation Executive Director.
The Light a Spark Grant is a turnkey package designed to introduce welding into existing secondary or post-secondary Ag-Ed, Career and Technical Education, or Practical Skills Course. Up to seven starter packages valued at more than $14,000 each will be awarded. Each welding equipment starter pack includes the following (subject to change):
- MobileArc™ Augmented Reality Welding System
- Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC Powersource – ability to perform GTAW, GTAW-P, GMAW, FCAW & SMAW welding processes
- Miller Spectrum 375 Plasma cutter
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting Pack; including regulators, cutting & heating tips
- SMAW, GMAW, & GTAW whips with consumable kit
- Welding Cart, Arcstation welding table, and safety screens
- PPE & Hand tools; including welding gloves, jacket, auto darkening helmet, face shield, chipping hammer, wire brush, and more
“Miller is committed to advancing the craft of welding through training and education,” said Justin Blount, Group President, ITW Miller. “We are proud to partner with the AWS Foundation to provide these schools with the equipment and supplies needed to introduce their students to the craft of welding.”
Applications for the grant are being accepted now through November 15, 2021. The Light a Spark Grant is not intended for secondary or post-secondary schools with an existing welding program or course.
About The American Welding Society
The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our members of technological advancements, and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves nearly 70,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters.
For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at www.aws.org
For more information about the new Solution Selling for Welding course, please visit aws.org/solutionselling
You can learn more about the Light a Spark Grant at www.aws.org/sparkgrant
About Miller:
Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller® brand arc welding products and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (NYSE: ITW). For more information, visit MillerWelds.com, call 1-800-4-A-Miller (800-426- 4553), email info@millerwelds.com, fax 877-327-8132, or write to Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.
