In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Mariana Ludmer—Operations Manager at California Welding Institute and long-time AWS volunteer—to talk about how welding competitions are shaping the next generation of welders.

We cover the impact of AWS-sponsored competitions on student confidence, career readiness, and community engagement. Mariana shares how her section in Southern California has built one of the most active and inclusive welding competition circuits in the country, and how these events bring together students, employers, unions, and vendors. Whether you're an instructor, employer, or student, this episode highlights the real-world benefits of competition—from skill-building and certification to job placement and industry networking.

For more information on how you can get involved with AWS, check out there website here