{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Weld Wednesdays w\/ AWS Leveling Up in 2026 \u2013 Where do I start and How AWS Can Help? Feat. Dr. Josh Burgess","description":"In the first Weld Wednesdays with AWS episode of 2026, I'm sitting down with Dr. Josh Burgess, current President of the American Welding Society and Senior Program Manager for Metallurgical and Welding Engineering at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dr. Burgess shares his path from welding in high school and competing at the national level to earning his bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering. Along the way, AWS played a pivotal role\u2014providing scholarships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development that shaped his career. This conversation covers:   How AWS membership opens doors at every career stage   The value of section involvement and industry networking   Leadership development through volunteering   Welding metallurgy, inspection, and failure analysis   Workforce development and future career paths in welding   Emerging technology like additive manufacturing and automation   Whether you\u2019re a student, working welder, inspector, educator, or industry leader, this episode highlights why welding remains one of the most versatile and opportunity-rich trades available today. &amp;nbsp; For more on how you can get involved with the AWS Click Here ","author_name":"Arc Junkies","author_url":"https:\/\/arcjunkies.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39691730\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39691730"}