International WIN Webinar to Support Countries in Strengthening National Welding Capability

EWF is pleased to share information on the next Welding Innovations Network (WIN) Webinar, taking place on 24, 26 and 27 November 2025, focusing on:

“Creating education, training, skills and careers opportunities to improve a country’s National Welding Capability (NWC)”

This initiative is led by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) and WIN, in alignment with EWF’s ongoing commitment to promoting harmonised qualification systems and supporting manufacturing sectors worldwide with skilled and certified personnel at all levels.

The webinar will be presented by Mr. Chris Smallbone, IIW Fellow and IIW President (2005–2008), and author of the IIW NWC Guidance Note GN 5, released on 20 June 2025. The document provides strategies and models to help countries develop sustainable systems in education, training, qualification, certification, skills and careers to strengthen their national welding capability.

“I see many opportunities for countries to improve their national welding capabilities and quality of life through greater cooperation and collaboration,”
says Mr. Smallbone.
“The challenges differ—some are present in developed countries, but they are often greatest in developing countries where resources are limited. We hope this webinar will support all countries in identifying pathways for progress.”  

What to Expect

The webinar will address:

• How to implement Education, Training, Qualification and Certification (E, T, Q & C) systems aligned with national industrial needs.

• Development of skilled personnel from apprentices and welders to technologists, inspectors and engineers.

• Creating national networks of competent training and certification organisations.

• Industry sector approaches to workforce development and technology transfer.

• Promotion of welding careers and improving public perception of the profession.

Participants will also receive an invitation to a free follow-up 3-hour workshop, offered after the webinar, designed to help individual countries begin developing their own National Welding Capability improvement plan.

Recommendation Before Attending

Participants are encouraged to download the free IIW NWC Guidance Note GN 5 in advance of the session:
https://iiwelding.org/iiw-jointothefuture/nwc-gn/

This guidance note includes:

• A Plan-on-a-Page strategy framework

• Examples of best practices and successful implementation models

• Access to further resources within the IIW NWC Resource Centre