The American Welding Society's January 2026 issue of the Welding Journal is now available, featuring a wide range of feature articles, editorials, education pieces, and industry news covering the latest in welding technology, safety, and workforce development.

At the Mount Academy in Esopus, N.Y., welding isn't just a technical skill — it's a way to contribute to the community. Every item crafted in the Mount Academy welding shop serves a real purpose within the wider community, including a 60-ft steel bridge built to replace one destroyed by major flooding in July 2024.

The incoming president of AWS shares a personal testament to the transformative power of the American Welding Society, reflecting on the collective support and opportunities the organization has provided throughout a career in welding.

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a powerful process that can improve productivity, weld quality, and consistency for the right applications. This feature explores how maximizing throughput without sacrificing quality requires careful selection of process, equipment, and consumables.

For welders, flame-resistant apparel can be the difference between walking away from an incident or sustaining major burns. The article examines the science behind FR fabrics and debunks five common myths.

The welding industry is experiencing a surge in interest in handheld laser welding systems, but many remain unfamiliar with their potential hazards. This feature covers safety best practices for operators.

Compressed gases present their own unique risks in welding operations, from small fabrication shops to large manufacturing plants. The article provides guidance on gas safety and selection.

• Education 411: Raritan Valley Community College officially opened its expanded $9.8-million Workforce Training Center.
• Society News: AWS news, Tech Topics, Membership activities, and more.
• News of the Industry: The Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo, presented by F.W. Webb Co., took place October 25 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
• RWMA Q&A: The refreshed RWMA Spotlight column returns six times annually as of 2026, continuing to offer Q&A content with features on new members, top speakers, and plant tours.

The issue also includes a Stainless Q&A column addressing common questions about stainless steel pipe markings and weld acceptability for 304/304L dual-marked materials.