The American Welding Society (AWS) is reinforcing its commitment to welding education with enhancements to its Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum (FOWC)—a flexible, industry-aligned welding training solution for high schools, technical colleges, and vocational programs. With e-learning modules, instructional videos, and guided activities, FOWC provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with career-ready welder qualification skills.
Affordable, Career-Ready Welding Education
Quality welding instruction starts by supporting our welding educators,” said Alicia Garcia, AWS Managing Director of Education & Training. “All AWS training programs are developed within the United States to meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. marketplace. The Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum gives instructors the structured resources and flexibility they need to prepare students for real-world welding opportunities and industry demands.”
FOWC prepares students for welding qualification tests and the AWS Certified Welder credential, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in both welding principles and hands-on application. The curriculum is fully aligned with AWS SENSE standards, making it the most comprehensive online welding education program available today.
Supporting Educators, Building the Future Welding Workforce
AWS provides welding educators with training modules and resources to engage students, strengthen classroom instruction, and prepare the next generation of skilled welders. The Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum (FOWC) offers affordable, industry-aligned welding education with 74 e-learning modules, 18 instructional videos, and structured lesson plans with over 100 guided activities to enhance both teaching and student engagement. Designed for in-person, hybrid, and online welding programs, FOWC helps instructors deliver practical, career-ready training.
Additionally, instructors have access to ready-to-use teaching materials, including PowerPoint presentations and classroom visuals, streamlining instruction and reinforcing key welding concepts.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Strong foundational skills are essential for students entering the welding workforce. The AWS FOWC program provides educators with the tools to train students for successful careers in welding, meeting industry demand for skilled professionals. By partnering with educators and industry stakeholders, AWS supports schools and training programs with high-quality, adaptable instructional resources to meet the evolving needs of the welding industry.
Look at the Curriculum on YouTube
AWS has released a video walkthrough of the Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum, available on its YouTube channel.
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 community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.
