March 2026
The AMPPlify Update is AMPP’s monthly roundup of corrosion industry news, coatings and materials protection insights,
technical resources, workforce development initiatives, and global events. This edition highlights the launch of TalentForce,
new research on pipeline integrity and shipbuilding workforce capacity, World Corrosion Awareness Day 2026, and key opportunities
for corrosion engineers, coatings inspectors, and asset integrity professionals.
In this AMPPlify Update
AMPP NEWS
AMPP Launches TalentForce to Address the Global Corrosion Workforce Shortage
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) has launched TalentForce, a charitable workforce development initiative focused on strengthening the future pipeline of corrosion engineers, coatings inspectors, materials protection specialists, and asset integrity professionals.
Corrosion quietly degrades critical infrastructure worldwide, costing the global economy more than $2.5 trillion annually. Preventing that damage requires trained professionals, but the talent pipeline is shrinking as experienced workers retire, fewer new entrants replace them, and technologies and performance standards continue to evolve.
TalentForce will strengthen the future workforce by expanding career awareness and developing industry-aligned training pathways, including career exposure programs, apprenticeships, credential-based training, and strategic partnerships.
“The science of corrosion control and materials protection has never been stronger. But corrosion is no longer the industry’s only enemy—the workforce shortage is the greatest threat in the future. TalentForce is how we act now before workforce gaps become infrastructure crises.” — Alan Thomas
AMPP Releases First Energy Industry Report on Pipeline Integrity
AMPP has released its first Industry Report focused on the energy sector, U.S. Pipeline Industry 2026: Leading Failures, New Technologies, and Future Outlook. Drawing on PHMSA data and input from industry experts, the report examines pipeline incident causes and identifies corrosion as a leading, preventable risk.
Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the report also explores aging infrastructure, workforce changes, and new energy systems shaping the future of pipeline integrity.
Join the World Corrosion Awareness Day 2026 Campaign
Corrosion affects nearly everything we rely on, yet its impact often goes unnoticed until something fails. On April 24, 2026, AMPP—together with the World Corrosion Organization, European Federation of Corrosion, and International Corrosion Council—will lead the global World Corrosion Awareness Day campaign.
This year’s theme, “The Corrosion Conversation,” aims to spark dialogue, correct misconceptions, and highlight the real-world impact of corrosion prevention.
AMPP and TalentForce Launch First Maritime Industry Report on Workforce and Fleet Capacity
AMPP, in collaboration with TalentForce, has released its first maritime Industry Report, U.S. Shipbuilding and Repair: Workforce Report 2026.
The report examines structural and workforce challenges shaping shipbuilding, ship repair, and long-term fleet sustainment in the United States, emphasizing workforce qualification, standards alignment, and retention in critical trades.
Released alongside the formal launch of TalentForce, the report reinforces the importance of standards-based training, employer-aligned pathways, and validated credentials across the full vessel lifecycle.
Annual global cost of corrosion
Infrastructure failures linked to corrosion
Countries represented in AMPP membership
Corrosion professionals trained annually
AMPP MEMBER MOMENTS
AMPP TECH
AMPP EVENTS
AMPP CAREER CENTER
Corrosion Specialist I
Buckeye Partners, LP
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States
Cathodic Protection Engineer
WBI Energy Corrosion Services
Billings, Montana, United States
CP Technician
Lake Superior Consulting
Nashville, Tennessee, United States · Remote
Looking for Assistance with Employee Recruitment?
AMPP’s Career Center helps employers reach thousands of professionals in the corrosion and coatings industry. Post your job openings today →
AMPP GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Make an Impact at AMPP Advocacy Days 2026
AMPP Advocacy Days return to Washington, D.C., May 11–13, 2026, giving members an opportunity to bring the materials protection and performance industry’s voice directly to federal decision-makers.
This year’s program includes focused fly-ins for the Maritime, Defense, Energy, and Civil Infrastructure sectors.
- Educate policymakers about corrosion control, coatings, and asset protection across ports, pipelines, bridges, and defense infrastructure.
- Highlight workforce development needs and federal policy priorities supporting growth and resilience.
- Strengthen AMPP’s influence in national policy conversations affecting the profession.
AMPP AROUND THE WORLD
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick answers to common questions connected to this month’s stories about workforce development, pipeline integrity, maritime corrosion, and World Corrosion Awareness Day.
What is TalentForce, and why did AMPP launch it?
TalentForce is a charitable workforce development initiative created by AMPP to address the growing shortage of professionals in corrosion prevention, coatings, and materials protection. The program focuses on career awareness, apprenticeships, and training pathways that prepare the next generation of corrosion engineers, coatings inspectors, and asset integrity professionals.
Why is there a workforce shortage in corrosion and materials protection?
Many experienced corrosion professionals are reaching retirement age while fewer new professionals enter the field. At the same time, energy, maritime, transportation, and infrastructure sectors continue to depend on corrosion control specialists to maintain safe and reliable operations.
What causes pipeline failures in the energy industry?
Pipeline failures can occur for several reasons, but corrosion remains one of the leading and most preventable causes. AMPP’s Pipeline Industry Report examines aging infrastructure, inspection gaps, and changing energy systems influencing pipeline integrity.
Why is corrosion prevention important in the maritime industry?
Ships, shipyards, and offshore structures operate in highly corrosive environments. Coatings systems, materials selection, inspection, and maintenance programs are critical for fleet reliability, vessel life, and maritime safety.
What is World Corrosion Awareness Day?
World Corrosion Awareness Day, observed annually on April 24, raises global awareness about the impact of corrosion and the importance of corrosion prevention, materials protection, infrastructure resilience, and public safety.
What is the AMPP Annual Conference?
The AMPP Annual Conference + Expo brings together engineers, inspectors, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange technical knowledge, explore new technologies, and strengthen the global corrosion community.
EXPLORE MORE CORROSION INSIGHTS
Continue exploring AMPP resources connected to this month’s stories.
Pipeline Integrity Research
Explore AMPP’s latest energy-sector research on pipeline failures, corrosion, and emerging technologies.
Maritime Workforce & Shipbuilding
Explore corrosion resources supporting shipbuilding, ship repair, fleet sustainment, and maritime infrastructure.
Corrosion Training & Certifications
Build skills and credentials across corrosion control, coatings, inspection, cathodic protection, and asset integrity.
Workforce Development with TalentForce
Learn how TalentForce is building career awareness, training pathways, and industry-aligned workforce programs.
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