Collaboration in Action

Last month, the Skilled Trades Coalition brought its message directly to Capitol Hill. With 18 industry leaders representing organizations across the industrial and manufacturing sectors, the group conducted more than 45 meetings with congressional offices, committees, and caucuses to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing American industry today: the skilled trades workforce.

In addition to ASNT, the visit included participation from the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), American Welding Society (AWS), Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), High Performance Buildings Coalition (HPBC), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM). Each organization brought its own perspective, but the message was consistent: strengthening the skilled trades workforce is essential to maintaining America’s infrastructure, supporting manufacturing growth, and ensuring long-term economic competitiveness.

The meetings also provided an opportunity to engage directly with congressional staff shaping workforce, education, and industrial policy. In addition to sharing industry perspectives, coalition members asked how we can partner with policymakers and better understand the initiatives they are advancing to address workforce and industrial challenges. These discussions helped identify areas of alignment and opened the door for continued collaboration.

Coalition members focused on three shared priorities: strengthening the workforce pipeline, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and supporting manufacturing and industrial competitiveness. Discussions emphasized increasing awareness of skilled trades careers, aligning workforce investments with industry-recognized training and credential programs, and expanding apprenticeships that connect employers directly with talent. Participants also highlighted the importance of ensuring workforce policies support the needs of infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

What made the day particularly impactful was the collective voice of the coalition. Workforce challenges do not belong to a single industry or profession. They affect the broader ecosystem responsible for building, maintaining, and advancing America’s infrastructure and industrial base. Bringing together organizations representing inspection, manufacturing, materials protection, energy, and engineering helped reinforce the shared nature of these workforce challenges.

The Skilled Trades Coalition Hill Day helped elevate these issues and demonstrated the value of industry collaboration in addressing workforce challenges.

The conversations on Capitol Hill continue to build awareness and strengthen relationships, but they are only part of a broader effort. ASNT will return to Capitol Hill on 15 April for its annual Day on the Hill, where members and industry leaders will continue engaging with policymakers and advancing discussions around workforce development and the role of nondestructive testing professionals. The Skilled Trades Coalition visit helped set these conversations in motion, and ASNT looks forward to continuing the dialogue and building momentum in the months ahead.

ASNT’s Day on the Hill

ASNT’s Day on the Hill gives members and stakeholders a closer look at how the Society is building awareness of nondestructive testing in Washington, DC. Through direct engagement with congressional offices, ASNT members and leaders are helping policymakers better understand the essential role NDT plays in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, research, and innovation. The following Q&A answers common questions about the purpose of the event and why member participation remains so important to ASNT’s long-term advocacy efforts.

What Is ASNT’s Day on the Hill?

ASNT’s Day on the Hill is the Society’s annual advocacy event in Washington, DC, where ASNT members and staff meet with congressional offices to explain the real-world importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, research, and innovation.

ASNT’s second annual Day on the Hill will be held on 15 April. Last year’s inaugural event brought more than 40 ASNT members and staff to Washington and included more than 100 meetings with congressional offices, helping introduce lawmakers and staff to the importance of NDT.

Why Does Day on the Hill Matter?

Hill Day gives ASNT the opportunity to make sure NDT is part of important federal policy conversations. Last year’s advocacy discussions focused on infrastructure, public safety, workforce development, research investment, automation, and AI-assisted analysis—issues that continue to shape the future of the profession.

What Will Happen during This Year’s Event?

This year’s one-day program includes morning policy and advocacy training, meetings with congressional offices on Capitol Hill, and an evening reception with fellow NDT professionals and policy leaders.

Why Is Member Participation Important?

ASNT’s advocacy efforts are strongest when they are informed by members who can speak directly about their work and the impact of NDT. Last year’s event was successful in demonstrating that member stories, professional experience, and continued relationship-building with lawmakers are central to long-term advocacy success.

What Is ASNT Hoping to Accomplish on the Hill?

ASNT’s broader goal is to keep NDT part of the conversation in Washington—whether through workforce development programs, innovation initiatives, research support, or opportunities to strengthen existing legislation that affects the industry.

How Can Members Get Involved in ASNT Advocacy Efforts?

Members who want to support ASNT’s advocacy work can stay engaged through follow-up outreach, continued conversations with lawmakers, and future grassroots efforts. Advocacy is an ongoing effort, not a one-day event. Check ASNT’s Volunteer Portal at volunteer.asnt.org for open opportunities.

What If I Want to Participate in a Future Hill Day?

ASNT is already looking ahead to future advocacy opportunities, including the 2027 Day on the Hill. Members interested in learning more or becoming involved in future advocacy initiatives can visit asnt.org/about/ndt-advocacy or contact govrelations@asnt.org.

Editor’s note: Readers can look for a full recap of 2026 Hill Day in the May issue, including highlights, photos, and key takeaways from ASNT’s meetings on Capitol Hill.