On 7 July 2026, The Welding Institute was proud to take part in WeldJoinExpo, TWI's flagship event for the welding, joining, and allied technologies sectors. Bringing together professionals from across industry, the event celebrated technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration, while providing a platform to share knowledge and discuss the future of the profession. TWI was also honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne and her delegation, who were given a tour of the facilities, including the main engineering hall, while also taking time to speak with staff and visitors to the event.
As part of the day's programme, The Welding Institute hosted a dedicated workshop highlighting the benefits of professional membership, volunteering, and active engagement within the engineering community. The session explored how Members can contribute to the profession through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and volunteering, while helping to inspire and support the next generation of welding and joining professionals.
The workshop featured presentations from leading voices across the sector:
Alongside the workshop, The Welding Institute's Eastern Counties Branch welcomed visitors to its exhibition stand, showcasing a display on the history of postage stamps and offering an insight into one of the many ways Members engage with the Institute and the wider community.
The day concluded with the presentation of an Honorary Award to Steve Jones in recognition of his distinguished service as Vice-President of The Welding Institute from 2023 to 2026. Professional Board Chair, Claire Kimpton, presented the award, recognising Steve's dedication and significant contribution to the Institute and the profession over many years.
The Welding Institute extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, partners, and attendees who contributed to the success of WeldJoinExpo26. The event highlighted the strength of the welding and joining community and reinforced the important role that professional membership, collaboration, and skills development play in shaping the future of the industry.
The Younger Members' Committee (YMC) is launching a pilot Mentor/Mentee Scheme designed to connect experienced professionals with those at the beginning of their careers who are interested in Professional Registration.
Whether you would like to share your knowledge as a mentor or gain guidance and support as a mentee, we'd love to hear from you.
To register your interest or to find out more about the pilot scheme, please email ymc@twi.co.uk.
We are pleased to announce that Robert E. Shaw, Jr has been selected for the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Awards 2026 – Arthur Smith Award.
The Arthur Smith Award is presented to an individual whose outstanding dedication and service to the International Institute of Welding have made a significant contribution to advancing the Institute’s objectives. The Award was presented to Robert at the 79th Annual Assembly and International Conference on Welding and Joining in Salzburg, Australia on the 12 July 2026.
Rob gave us his thoughts on his achievement, " I am honored to be recognized with the Arthur Smith Award. Dr. Smith was the British delegate on Commission XII “Fluxes and gas-shielded electrical welding processes” for many years and served as its chair from 1980 until his death in 1986. His energy and enthusiasm for all IIW activities were evident to all who knew him, and he contributed immensely to the international spirit of the organization, and to furthering its aims.
My first experience in IIW was in 1997, attending a special session on fatigue, wanting to learn from esteemed experts, especially Dr. Stephen Maddox from TWI. From that point forward, I became deeply involved in IIW, and learned much from wise and trusted colleagues Stephen Maddox, David Shackleton, Chris Eady, Emma Freckingham, Paul Woollin, and other esteemed individuals.
As one who has often looked to TWI research, technical documents, and guidelines in my consulting work, the silver plate for the Arthur Smith Award will be prominently displayed in my office in gratitude for that technical support, but more importantly, the guidance and motivation I have received from my UK colleagues over the years in furthering the work of IIW. "
Join us in congratulating Rob!
The Welding Institute's Members also can take part in the IIW Technical Commissions and have access to IIW certification schemes via TWI.
Find out more on the IIW here
We're delighted to announce John Kell has been appointed Vice Chair of Professional Board!
John Kell is an accomplished engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, who has also made a truly remarkable contribution to attracting large-scale research and development investment to the UK during his role as an R&D Specialist, Automotive Sector Team, Advanced Manufacturing Directorate (AMD), Department for Business and Trade.
He is a previous company director who brings extensive automotive and engineering technology R&D experience from the private sector and government, along with business development management and project management expertise. He has been supporting government with advanced engineering R&D-related foreign direct investment and project management for the past 18 years. Before this he was the automotive and motorsport sector business development manager for TWI Ltd.
He has a wealth of experience in research and technology development with a focus on materials, advanced propulsion and connected and automated mobility. His background in managing manufacturing, design and engineering research assignments has involved him with global projects across the defence, aerospace, oil and gas, and transport sectors.
John also holds the rank of Major and Officer Commanding of No. 3 Company Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force, where he is a passionate promoter of STEM.
Join us in congratulating John on his new role!
TWI / The Welding Institute has developed a unique and exclusive three-day metallic additive manufacturing training course designed for engineers, researchers, designers, technical specialists, managers and students.
Metallic additive manufacturing (AM) has seen take-up and interest across a range of industry sectors, for applications including rapid prototyping, the creation of parts with highly customised geometries, weight-reduction, and the consolidation of multiple parts into a single component.
Our new training course has been designed to provide a structured understanding of metal AM processes, materials behaviour, design considerations and industrial implementation. Combining fundamentals with industrial case studies and practical design considerations, this course will help you understand how AM can be applied effectively in real engineering environments.
About the Course
Because the course has been created and is delivered by multiple subject matter experts from across TWI's teams, attendees can be assured that each module is taught by specialists with direct industrial experience in their respective fields, providing the most industry-relevant experience possible.
Attendees will learn about:
The training includes interactive discussions, case studies and practical exercises to support understanding and help translate technical knowledge into engineering decision-making relevant to genuine industrial applications. You will also have the opportunity to draw upon the real-world industrial experience of our world-leading experts, who will be available to answer your questions as you learn.
Find Out More and Book Your Place
Ideal for professionals and students alike, this course offers an opportunity to learn from experienced industry experts, with attendees receiving a certificate of attendance along with supporting course materials to enable continued learning and professional development on completion of the course.
We have already held a well-attended webinar dedicated to this upcoming course, which you can see a recording of below:
Webinar Recording:
Click here to find out more details about this exclusive course and to book places to attend
As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re highlighting the contributions of the volunteers who support The Welding Institute and the wider welding and engineering community.
In this interview, we caught up with Aaron Kirkbride, Northumbria Branch Chair and Programme Secretary, who shares insight into his role and the impact it has on supporting members across the region. Aaron discusses the responsibilities that come with leading a branch, the value of local engagement within the engineering community, and how his work helps strengthen professional networks and opportunities for members.
Can you describe your volunteer role with The Welding Institute and the types of activities you're involved in?
I currently serve as Chair and Programme Secretary of the Northumbria Branch of The Welding Institute, which primarily covers the Tyne and Wear and Durham regions. Prior to this, I held the roles of Secretary and Young Members Representative within both the Southwest and East Midlands Branches.
Having recently re-established the Northumbria Branch, our committee is focused on building an active programme that supports members across the region. This includes organising technical presentations, networking opportunities, and activities that encourage professional development and engagement within the welding community.
In addition to my branch responsibilities, I am also a member of the Professional Board, which oversees matters relating to Institute membership, professional registration, and engagement with the Engineering Council.
How does your volunteer work support the welding and engineering community?
Through my role with the Northumbria Branch, I aim to support members of the welding and engineering community in a variety of ways, including providing career guidance, promoting professional development, and encouraging membership engagement.
Since relaunching the branch in February, we have delivered several high-quality technical presentations and are continuing to expand our programme. These events provide valuable opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), while also creating an environment where professionals can network, share knowledge, and build relationships within the industry.
How has volunteering connected you with other professionals in the industry?
Without question, volunteering has been one of the most effective ways to build a professional network. The welding community is relatively close-knit, and volunteering provides opportunities to connect with professionals from a wide range of sectors and experience levels.
I have been a member of The Welding Institute since I was 17 years old, and the relationships I have built through branch events, committees, and Institute activities have been invaluable throughout my career. The connections made through volunteering often lead to opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, and professional growth.
What do you find most rewarding about giving your time and expertise?
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is being able to provide meaningful support and guidance to others. Whether someone is navigating technical training, professional registration, career development, or a specific welding-related challenge, it is satisfying to help them overcome obstacles and progress towards their goals.
Welding and joining technologies can be complex disciplines, and many of us have benefited from the advice and support of others throughout our careers. Being able to give something back to the profession and help others succeed is extremely rewarding.
Would you encourage others to volunteer with The Welding Institute, and why?
I would certainly encourage others to consider volunteering, although it is important to recognise that it requires both time and commitment. The experience can be highly rewarding, both personally and professionally.
When I first became involved with The Welding Institute, I benefited greatly from the guidance, encouragement, and support of volunteers who were willing to share their time and expertise. Volunteering provides an opportunity to give back to the profession, support the next generation of engineers and welding professionals, and contribute to the continued success of the Institute and its members.
The Welding Institute would like to thank Aaron for his outstanding volunteering work and for sharing his insights on the importance and impact that volunteering has within our community.
If you’re interested in getting involved, you can find out more here.
In this interview, we caught up with Chris Eady, MERC member and Training, Qualification and Quality Technical Group (TG9) Co-Chair. Chris shares insight into his role on MERC, the wider impact of its work on the engineering profession, and his experience as a Technical Group Co‑Chair and the benefits it brings.
Can you describe your volunteer role with The Welding Institute and the types of activities you’re involved in?
At present, I contribute to The Welding Institute’s Membership Education and Registration Committee (MERC), which operates the assessment and approval of applicants for recognition as Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer in the Engineering Council register and for membership of the Institute as Technician, Member and Fellow. On behalf of MERC, I chair the Welder Grade Working Group, in which a smaller group of enthusiastic and knowledgeable Professional Members are working to define membership benefits for welders, as a new Professional Membership service. I also Co-Chair the Technical Group 9, which focuses continuing professional development delivery onto Professional Member interests in Training, Qualification and Quality.
Contributing to MERC directly supports the profession, as peer review and recognition is at the heart of professional engineering competence and commitment in the UK and amongst Engineering Council registrants worldwide. MERC is also at the centre of innovation and change management to accommodate new and emerging technologies and job roles into the profession and to account for new approaches to technical education and training. As an example, I recently contributed to an Engineering Council workshop focused on engineering ethics and professional behaviours as part of the next revision of the UK-SPEC registration standard.
The volunteer community comes from a broad cross-section of the Institute Membership and the Profession. Attending meetings and events not only renews acquaintances but creates new relationships with professionals from a wide range of job roles across all engineering and manufacturing sectors and applications. The TG9 events enable me to meet Professional Members and non-members who are not in the volunteer community and to learn about their priorities and challenges so that we can consider how best to support their professional development and career progression through future events and improved services.
It is most rewarding to hear from a Professional Member how something I have contributed to has benefited their career, whether that was simply a connection to another Professional Member, an additional qualification, higher recognition, or something as massive as gaining a new role.
The Welding Institute is its Professional Members, and the peer review and recognition process provides public confidence, ethical direction, professional recognition and a huge support network to the best, most committed and most professional engineers and technicians. The way to make more of that happen is to volunteer with The Welding Institute.
The Welding Institute would like to thank Chris for his outstanding volunteering work and for sharing his insights on the importance and impact that volunteering has within our community.
In this interview, we spoke to Don Atkinson, Teesside Branch President and a dedicated volunteer of The Welding Institute. Don shares insight into his role, how his work supports the wider community and what motivates him to volunteer.
I have been involved with the Teesside Branch of The Welding Institute since 1988, when my Head of Department at Longlands College introduced me to the branch committee. Since then, I have taken on many roles, including Secretary, organising Annual Dinners, lectures and a wide range of events such as career events for apprentice recruitment. I have also served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Branch, and I am currently President, a role I have held since 2021. The annual awards remain one of the greatest events I have been involved with.
I believe that volunteering with The Welding Institute Teesside Branch allows me to support and encourage the Welding and Engineering sector across Teesside, engaging with a wide range of groups; from current employees to young people who represent the future of our industry. I have also worked with organisations such as the Cleveland Scientific Institution and the Cleveland Institute of Engineers, helping to make opportunities visible to many potential new entrants to our sector.
I have worked with lots of companies and other stakeholders throughout the UK who are involved with Welding, which has taken me to the National Skill Shows at the NEC in Birmingham and World Skills in London in 2011.
The most rewarding part of giving my time and expertise is seeing young people grow and later meeting them again in senior positions within the industry, knowing that some of their journey began with a little guidance from me. I also currently serve as Chairman of the UK Skillweld Competition, and watching young welders compete on a national level and gain confidence in their abilities is incredibly fulfilling.
I would encourage anyone to get involved in volunteering with The Welding Institute, as it brings a great deal of satisfaction and the knowledge that you have helped the next generation take their first steps on the welding career ladder. I have had many people contact me over the years to thank me for my help and guidance, and the greatest reward is seeing their careers in welding grow.
The Welding Institute would like to thank Don for his outstanding volunteering work and for sharing his insights on the importance and impact that volunteering has within our community.
In this interview, we spoke to Matt Haslett, PRI Assessor, Offshore Energy Technical Group (TG4) Secretary and STEM Outreach Ambassador, and a dedicated volunteer of The Welding Institute.
Matt shares insight into his work processing applications, organising events in his role as Secretary, and reflects on how volunteering has supported his own professional development while helping others progress in their careers.
I am currently involved in a number of activities, including conducting PRIs, assessing applications and ratifying awards of membership. I am also the secretary for the Offshore Energy Technical Group (TG4) and get involved in education outreach events.
By conducting PRIs, I am assessing the competence of fellow engineers to become members of the Institute, which will then help them with their future career development. By organising TG4 events, I am helping to provide relevant and rewarding CPD to Institute members.
I have made a number of connections with other engineers and scientists during my time as TG4 secretary, which has grown my own professional network.
I really enjoy being able to give something back to the profession, which has supported me in my own development, and seeing others achieve their goals and ambitions. With regards to outreach, I also value being able to promote welding and joining to the younger generation, so hopefully they will consider it as a possible career.
I have gained so much by being a member of the Institute, I would recommend membership to anyone.
The Welding Institute would like to thank Matt for his outstanding volunteering work and for sharing his insights on the importance and impact that volunteering has within our community.
What a fantastic evening for our Teesside Branch. Last week, the 71st Annual Dinner welcomed 150 guests to come together, connect and celebrate the people helping to secure welding skills for the future.
We were delighted to welcome guest speaker John Bickerstaff, and to hear from Caroline Gumble, CEO of The Welding Institute, who shared an update on our ongoing work. We also had the pleasure of introducing Andrew Ward, our new Director for Professional Membership.
A huge congratulations to our award winners and runners-up:
A big thank you to everyone who supported the charity raffle and auction on the night, raising funds for Teesside Hospice and My Sister’s Place (including an auction for a signed Middlesbrough Football Club shirt).
Thank you to our table sponsors, to James Bell from our Younger Members Committee for producing the programme and supporting the charity contributions, and to the hospitality team at Middlesbrough Football Club for the excellent food and service.
Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting the evening:
SGS, EAL, Sunderland College, Middlesbrough College, NETA Training, Amentum, WB Alloys, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Mark Chapman, PJD Mechanical Engineering, ECITB, CATCH, Oceaneering, Libellum, Hydram Engineering - Sheet Metal Fabrications, SeAH Wind.
As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we sat down with an AWeldI Member who is an open advocate for neurodivergence and a champion of different minds. They spoke about their lived experiences, their perspectives, and their hopes for the future - both within the workplace and the wider community.
What does Neurodiversity Celebration Week mean to you?
They say they see how important it is to have spaces like this week to open conversation and that there’s great value in fostering them within The Welding Institute and the workplace. They mention that awareness not only makes the conversation easier but also more normal and helps to stop the taboo around the topic.
“To me, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important starting point, the first step in creating an inclusive workplace, and even an inclusive society is awareness. And awareness only grows when we’re willing to open a dialogue. Opportunities like this give us the space to talk openly about the challenges faced by neurodivergent, and to show that these should be shared. The effort required to be part of the society shouldn’t fall solely on neurodivergent people, it should be carried by all of us."
They highlight how visibility, through videos, panels, and shared experiences helps people across the company understand what support exists and how others navigate neurodiversity.
How does being neurodivergent changed your outlook on life?
For them, neurodivergence isn’t something they compare to a “before” or “after”, it’s simply the way they experience the world. They explain that neurotypical people often grow up with an instinctive sense of how things “should” be, reinforced by the positive feedback they receive from society. Neurodivergent people, however, build that understanding consciously and intentionally.
“It doesn’t change my outlook because I wouldn’t know any other way. What it does give me is a way of seeing the world without assumptions. It makes me curious, observant, and willing to question what others might take for granted, I see the world as it is, not as it’s assumed to be. And because I don’t start with fixed expectations, I’m much more open to accepting people, events, and life as they come, without judgment or resistance.”
“I can see patterns and links that aren’t always obvious. I have a heightened pattern recognition, so I pick up the anomalies, the things that just don’t look right, and that pushes us to review and rebuild our understanding, so it includes the new information.”
This constant questioning brings with it openness, flexibility, and a deep awareness that there are multiple ways to think, communicate, and solve problems, all of which enrich their work and relationships.
What adaptations have you found most helpful at work?
They emphasise one thing above all: flexibility.
“Something I’ve had from TWI that has been incredibly helpful is the flexibility. My experience here, and especially my manager’s approach, has given me the freedom to work with my brain rather than against it. I’m not forced into a box or expected to follow a set, neurotypical way of doing things. I’m trusted to solve problems in the way that makes sense to me, and that freedom has allowed me to add real value. I wouldn’t have been able to do as much if I’d been constantly trying to mimic a neurotypical approach.”
They also highlight the importance of supportive colleagues, who make them feel included and valued even when they approach things differently. Practical adjustments, like Copilot, extra monitors, or noise cancelling headsets, also help them work more comfortably and stay focused.
What misconceptions about neurodiversity do you wish people understood better?
“I think as a society we lack awareness. Not many people understand what neurodiversity is or how it can manifest in different people. A lot of assumptions come from stereotypes portrayed in films or TV, which are not accurate or representative. In many cases, neurodiversity becomes a nonvisible disability simply because the willingness to truly see it isn’t there.”
“I come across as social because that’s what has been expected of me… but I’m an introvert, and I’m autistic. Social interaction takes a lot of energy from me, but this is rarely acknowledged. Even when I try to explain, I often hear: ‘I wouldn’t have guessed you were autistic.’”
They explain that the expectation to fit into a neurotypical way of life pushes many neurodivergent people to mask their struggles, making it harder for others to recognise when support is needed, and adding to the individual’s burden. They wish people understood the amount of invisible effort behind their day to day functioning so they could be more accommodating. Their hope is that greater understanding will reduce the pressure on neurodivergent individuals to constantly self censor or self advocate. Instead, there should be a willingness from the wider community to learn about neurodivergence and appreciate its nuances.
How does neurodiversity empower you?
They describe their strengths with clarity and pride.
“I’ve got an eye for detail, strong pattern recognition, and a 3D way of thinking that helps me make connections and understand complex problems.”
“I question the normal approach not because I want to be difficult, but because I’m genuinely asking whether the typical approach is still applicable, and whether it’s the best option. That questioning mindset, the uncertainty that comes with my neurodiversity, pushes me to probe deeper and find better solutions.”
This ability to challenge norms, reevaluate processes, and see connections others might overlook is a powerful asset in engineering environments.
What do you hope people take away from Neurodiversity Celebration Week?
They hope for greater awareness, empathy and shared responsibility.
“I wish people and organisations understood the value neurodivergent people can bring to the table, and took an active role in accommodating their presence, so that the effort doesn’t fall entirely on the individual.”
They want workplaces to recognise that neurodivergent people shouldn’t have to be exceptional just to be included, and that with the right structures and understanding, far more people can thrive. We’d like to thank our AWeldI member for their incredible insight into being neurodivergent and how we can all contribute to building a more inclusive community within The Welding Institute.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Want to learn more about requesting reasonable adjustments with practical tips and advice for your membership application? Speak to our membership team today.
The Welding Institute
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+44 (0)1223 899220
theweldinginstitute@twi.co.uk
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