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

Arc Junkies Podcast:

Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D

Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com

Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home

Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/

 

Friends of the Show:

American Welding Society Conferences

IEC Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/iec/

Use BECKER at Checkout and get a free gift at the event.

Outlaw Leather LLC

Outlawleather.com

Instagram: @outlawleatherusa

Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods

Knipex

https://www.knipex-tools.com/

 

Demonstrate Love

Donate Here

https://www.demonstratelove.org/ 

 

International Welding Bureau

Internationalweldingbureau.com

 

Everlast Welders

Instagram: @everlastwelders 

YouTube: Everlast Welders        

Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI

Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch.

Walter Surface Technologies

https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0

ISOTUNES:

Instagram: @isotunesaudio

Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. 

Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase