The American Welding Society (AWS) will be hosting one of the most innovative exhibits at FABTECH 2012—a 53 foot, single expandable trailer containing five welding simulators and interactive displays. The trailer in question is part of an exhibit called “Careers in Welding” that aims to “excite young people and those searching for second careers about the welding industry,” says Cindy Weihl, AWS public relations manager.
“The trailer spent 2012 traveling across the country to different events it will be at FABTECH for all visitors to come on board and try their hand at welding and to learn about different career paths within the welding industry,” continues Weihl.
The trailer boasts 650 square feet of exhibit space, with five Lincoln Electric VRTEX 360 welding simulator stations.
“The VRTEX 360 feeds computer-generated data with a virtual welding gun and helmet equipped with internal monitors. The participant practices welding in virtual environments, which include simulated field-wielding applications,” explains an AWS press release.
The trailer also boasts a display wall with 11 industry segments and welding trivia, and a “Day in the Life of a Welder” exhibit that offers videos showing real-life segments of welders on the job, and a social media kiosk that allows visitors to post to Facebook.
The trailer is just one of a slew of interesting presentations and exhibits the AWS has planned for the Welding Show portion of FABTECH 2012, which is scheduled for November 12 – 14, 2012 in Las Vegas.
Founded in 1919, and based in Miami, Florida, the AWS boasts 60,000 members worldwide. The society’s self-proclaimed mission is to “advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying.” The AWS offers workshops, technical publications, and educational programs.
The AWS launched a stand-alone welding show in the 1950s. In 2005, the Welding Show was merged with FABTECH and now takes place under the latter’s umbrella. The AWS, for its part, is a co-sponsor of FABTECH 2012.
According to Weihl at least, the AWS is pretty sanguine about its absorption into FABTECH.
“Being part of FABTECH allows attendees to see more new products, technologies and expand their networking opportunities. It really benefits our attendees to have everything under one roof … as with every FABTECH show, AWS is excited about coming face-to-face with our members, providing quality educational seminars and conferences, and making sure that all attendees walk away with new ideas to increase productivity and quality,” she says.
In addition to the educational trailer, the AWS will be presenting a program called “American Welding Online” at FABTECH 2012.
Weihl describes it as “a new virtual learning environment, offering an array of interactive classes and tools for practitioners, students, educators and professionals, advancing the art and science of welding.”
There will be two presentations to showcase American Welding Online. The first presentation, on November 12, focuses on AWS educational programs, and touches on the American Welding online initiative. The second presentation, held November 13, is specifically focused just on the Welding online program. Both presentations are an hour long and free for FABTECH attendees.
A two-day resistance welding school will be held at FABTECH 2012 as well.
At present, AWS hosts welding seminars and certification exams around the globe. For the first time ever, AWS will be offering two Spanish-language code clinics at FABTECH.
“The clinics serve as prep courses for the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. The exam can also be taken in Spanish at the show,” says Weihl.
A final AWS event focuses on a student welding contest. Six top ranked student welders will “go head-to-head on the show floor” for glory, and a spot in the 2012 Invitational Weld Trials, states Weihl. Students will compete during show hours in the North Hall, Booth N1131.
Additional events at the Welding Show include committee and subcommittee meetings for AWS members on topics including resistance welding in the aerospace industries, friction stir welding, high-energy beam welding, and thermal spraying. An annual business meeting will also be held as part of the Welding Show portion of FABTECH 2012.
Asked what the AWS perceives as the biggest challenge facing its member companies, Weihl says “a shortage of skilled workers.”
“By 2019, we will have a need for 238,692 new and replacement welders. AWS has made welder workforce development a priority and its most recent effort is the ‘Careers in Welding’ trailer,” she states.
While Weihl is speaking for the United States, her words apply to Canada as well. Trades in general are facing difficulties attracting young people to the fold.
The Canadian Welding Association is the homegrown equivalent to the AWS. based in Milton, Ontario, the CWA has a chapter membership of 4,500 individuals and companies in both the welding and joining industries. The association runs educational programs, seminars, workshops, tradeshows, and is a non-profit branch of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). The latter was founded in 1947 and provides training and certification for welders. The CWB also offers newsletters, videos and various publications.
Like other officials involved with FABTECH, Weihl insists the show is applicable to all firms, not just major players in the welding scene.
“FABTECH 2012 is definitely a must for small companies! Attending the show provides an opportunity to see the latest technologies, source current and potential suppliers, see live demonstrations and meet with experts in the industry.”
