Joe Young
Joe Young serves as Associate Director of the AWS Foundation, where he leads workforce development initiatives that support welding education and career awareness. A former educator, inspector, and small business owner, he brings hands-on industry experience to programs advancing the next generation of welding professionals. Joe is an AWS Certified Welding Inspector and WorldSkills silver medalist, with degrees in Welding Fabrication and Technology Management. He supports national efforts such as developing apprenticeship standards, producing labor market insights, and expanding philanthropic outreach to strengthen the welding talent pipeline.