National Welding Month 2026: Celebrating 30 Years of Welding Excellence Since 1996
How to Celebrate National Welding Month 2026
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CELEBRATING WELDING SINCE 1996:
30 YEARS OF SKILL, STRENGTH, AND PROGRESS
“Certified to build the world, welders power infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation across the globe. This National Welding Month, we celebrate the skilled professionals who make modern life possible.”
– Carey Chen, AWS Executive Director and CEO
National Welding Month 2026 honors three decades of craftsmanship, careers, and community
Since 1996, the American Welding Society has recognized April as National Welding Month. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary under the theme:
“Celebrating Welding Since 1996.”
For three decades, this observance has recognized the professionals whose work holds our world together — from bridges and buildings to energy, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.
National Welding Month is both a recognition and a call forward: honoring the skill and precision of today’s workforce while encouraging the next generation to explore careers in welding.
Throughout April, AWS will spotlight the people, the work, and the opportunities that define the industry through events, stories, promotions, and giveaways.
Highlights of National Welding Month 2026
Highlights of National Welding Month 2026
My Welding Story on Instagram
Every welder has a story, and we want to hear yours.
Featured stories will include AWS 2026 President Dr. D. Joshua Burgess, who has a full-circle story to share. A new story will be shared each weekday on Instagram Stories.
Want to share yours?
Visit weld.ng/myweldingstory and make sure you’re following @americanweldingsociety on Instagram.
The Weld Wednesday Podcast – National Welding Month Special Episode
The special NWM Weld Wednesday with AWS podcast airs Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Listen to the episode at weld.ng/podcast and join host Jason Becker and his special guests, as they discuss unique career paths in welding, sharing how they got started, what skills matter most, and what advice they have for anyone exploring a future in the trade.
#NWM2026 - Join the conversation all month long
#NWM2026 - Join the conversation all month long
Celebrate National Welding Month with us throughout April by joining the conversation online using #NWM2026.
Celebrate the welders, the stories, and the skills that make our community strong.
Throughout April, we invite you to join us online for National Welding Month to share your own experiences, learn from inspiring stories, and connect with fellow welding professionals from around the world. Discover featured stories from experts, see how welding impacts industries and communities, and be part of the conversation that highlights the craft, dedication, and achievements of welders everywhere.
30 Years of Celebration
30 Years of Celebration
Throughout April, AWS will share archival highlights, past campaign moments, and community stories that reflect how NWM has evolved since 1996.
AWS MEMBERSHIP PROMOTIONS
During National Welding Month, AWS is celebrating the welding community with special membership offers.
Use promo code NWM2026 to access exclusive promotions for Individual, Early Career, and Student Member.
Individual Memberships
Join as an Individual Member using promo code NWM2026 and receive three additional months of membership free—a full 15 months of access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and professional development support.
JOIN NOW
Early Career Membership
New Early Career Members will be entered to win $75 in AWS merchandise store credit.
Sign up today to start enjoying exclusive member benefits, including access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Student Membership
Students who join during National Welding Month will be entered for a chance to win one of five exclusive AWS hats.
JOIN NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
Corporate Membership
Active AWS Corporate Members can receive
25% off job postings.
Sustaining Company Members can receive
50% off job postings.
AWS Education Discounts
AWS members know more than most that learning never stops.
Throughout April, self-paced online courses will be available at 15% off, helping professionals build their skills and advance their careers
AWS Bookstore Discount
Celebrate National Welding Month with 35% off hard copies of the Welding Handbook through the AWS Bookstore. (Shipping excluded.)
AWS Foundation – Support the Future of Welding
The future of welding starts with YOU. Become an AWS Workforce Torchbearer to support scholarships, education, and workforce development programs that inspire the next generation of welders.
Pledge $5/month and receive an exclusive AWS Foundation branded shirt and hat. Every dollar makes a difference in strengthening the welding workforce. Join us in lighting the way—one pledge at a time.
NATIONAL WELDING MONTH GIVEAWAYS
AWS Standards – Bridging the Language of Welding Giveaway:
Strengthen your technical knowledge and register for a chance to win one of these essential publications in our Bridging the Language of Welding giveaway during National Welding Month.
- • A3.0M/A3.0:2025, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
- • D1.1/D1.1M:2025-AMD1, Structural Welding Code—Steel
- • Brazing Handbook (Volumes I, II, and II) released in 2025
AWS Custom Helmet:
Stand out in the shop with a one-of-a-kind AWS custom welding helmet! In celebration of National Welding Month, we gave one lucky welders the chance to win this exclusive piece of gear. Whether you're on the job or perfecting your craft, this helmet is designed to keep you protected while representing the welding community.
*Image for illustrative purposes only
Enter for your chance to win!
NATIONAL WELDING MONTH DIGITAL ASSETS
NATIONAL WELDING MONTH DIGITAL ASSETS
Show your support throughout April by downloading the National Welding Month media kit, which includes:
• National Welding Month logo
• Social media graphics
• Digital banners and promotional assets
Use these resources to help spread the word about National Welding Month across your organization and community.
Enter to Win: National Welding Month Giveaway! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is National Welding Month?
National Welding Month is an annual observance held every April and led by the American Welding Society (AWS) to recognize the welding industry and the skilled professionals who help build and maintain the world’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.
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When is National Welding Month?
National Welding Month takes place every April in the United States. The celebration highlights the contributions of welders, educators, engineers, and inspectors while encouraging the next generation to explore careers in welding.
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Why is National Welding Month celebrated?
National Welding Month is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of welding in modern society, recognize the skilled professionals behind the trade, and inspire future welders to pursue careers in the industry.
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Who started National Welding Month?
National Welding Month was established in 1996 by the American Welding Society (AWS) to promote the welding profession and highlight its critical role in infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.
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How can I participate in National Welding Month?
You can participate by sharing your welding story on social media using #NWM2026, joining AWS campaigns and giveaways, attending events, thanking mentors, and promoting welding careers within your community.