The American Welding Society received a $300,000
donation from the Lincoln Electric Co. that will go to helping relieve the
nationwide shortage of welders.
In association with this
donation, Lincoln and the AWS Foundation will collaborate on new marketing
initiatives to promote welding careers and help bolster the ranks of welders.
According
to the AWS and other industry research, the average age of a welder is in the mid-50s.
Fewer graduates entering the profession, coupled with the continuing retirement
of experienced welders, has led to a shortage of skilled welders that could
weaken the U.S. manufacturing sector and overall economy, studies
suggest.
Lincoln will donate the funds over two years.
Lincoln will also contribute marketing support and partner with the society to
produce a promotional welding career video to be used online, in classrooms and
throughout the industry. The video will feature several well-known
personalities who have sponsorship agreements with Lincoln.
In
addition, this donation will support the AWS Foundation’s Welder Workforce
Development Program. The foundation launched the program in 2006 to recruit and
train entry-level welders.
“This generous contribution to
our campaign will enable AWS to launch much-needed programs and marketing
initiatives toward the promotion of welding careers,” said Ronald C. Pierce,
AWS Foundation chairman. “Lincoln Electric has always been a very important
partner to AWS, and their continued support helps us build a stronger welding
work force for America.”
The AWS Foundation will use this
donation to fund new programs and marketing initiatives for the recruitment of
welders and promotion of welding careers. In addition, funds will support the
foundation’s Solutions Opportunity Squad, which is made up of new society
staff. They will also support local AWS sections, businesses and other
organizations that have specific work force development needs.
“We
are proud to participate in these AWS programs,” said Richard Seif, senior vice
president of global marketing for Lincoln Electric and AWS Foundation board
trustee. “This campaign is new territory for all of us. We are excited about
the direction in which AWS is headed to attract the best and the brightest to
the industry and we are particularly impressed with their SOS team. The
shortage of welders is one of the most important issues facing our industry. It
is absolutely critical that we make motivated, organized and responsible
individuals aware that welding is a safe and rewarding career option. We feel
the video will also become an important tool since it will give us a way to
directly reach those who are looking into new or different career paths.”
Lincoln Electric donation to benefit welding group programs
August 1, 2008
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