In this episode of Arc Junkies Podcast, I sit down with Dick Holdren, President of the American Welding Society (AWS) and a 50-year veteran of the welding industry. From his early days at Ohio State University to working on major military and industrial projects, Dick has played a critical role in shaping welding standards, education, and automation.

We cover a lot in this conversation, including:

• AWS certification changes and what welders, inspectors, and engineers need to know
• The importance of welding standards and terminology—and how they impact contracts and compliance
• The rise of robotic welding and automation in fabrication
• Lessons from working on MRAP armored vehicles and other military projects
• How welding engineers bridge the gap between design, production, and inspection
• The value of getting involved with AWS committees and how you can influence industry standards

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