**Pavilion Provides New Resources and Unites Scarce Industry Professionals with Employers in Need**

Chicago, IL, October 15, 2007 – In response to a skilled worker shortage that continues to strain businesses across the nation, the 2007 FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show will bring real solutions to frustrated employers. The national Job Fair and first ever Workforce Development Pavilion will allow employers to meet one-on-one and possibly recruit from a pool of more than 9,000 welding professionals, a group that has been in short supply. The Workforce Development Pavilion was added this year due to a growing need within the industry for and array of employment service providers, including recruitment counselors, educational institutions and government liaisons.

The Job Fair and Workforce Development Pavilion will take place in the north building at the 2007 FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show, which will run from November 11 through November 14 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. While the Job Fair will be open only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, November 12, and Tuesday, November 13, the Workforce Development Pavilion will remain open during regular show hours.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA) and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and supported by industry partner the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the 2007 FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show is expected to bring in an estimated 25,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors covering 475,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The need for skilled personnel – these include production technicians, certified welding inspectors, welding technicians, engineers, industry sales associates, and more – has been quickly growing across the nation and in several parts of the world. One area of particular concern to manufacturers is the shortage of welders. According to AWS and other industry research, the average age of a welder is in the mid-fifties.  Fewer students entering the industry, coupled with the potential retirement of half of the country’s highly trained welding workforce, have led to a shortage of skilled welders and welding-related professionals. That shortage is expected to balloon to about 200,000 by 2010. 
“It is increasingly imperative that we maintain and grow America’s base of welding professionals to fill vacancies being left from retirees who performed critical work in major industries, including manufacturing, construction, auto production, energy, military, aerospace and more,” said AWS deputy executive director Cassie R. Burrell.  “This year, we are enhancing our standard Job Fair by including a Workforce Development Pavilion, which will connect employers with important industry players that can offer varying types of assistance, including financial and recruitment counseling.”

Unlike the job Fair, which will provide job-seekers with instantaneous personal access to prospective employers, the Workforce Development Pavilion will offer several points of contact and reference for employers, including government liaisons, who could direct employers towards federally funded programs to fulfill talent needs, and human resource representatives, who could counsel employers on recruitment efforts, benefits and other incentives that could help draw and retain suitable candidates. Employment service providers, schools and associations will also be in the pavilion to offer their support and assistance in workforce development and employment-related opportunities. 

“The fact is,” said XXX, “manufacturing in America is strong. Stereotypes have tarnished the industry’s image, invoking an unpleasant work environment with little prospect for advancement and salary growth. However, the reality is often quite different. Manufacturing careers can be lucrative and exciting, and can include many jobs that require very little or no factory work, such as inspection, sales, research, engineering and even entrepreneurial opportunities like owning your own job shop.  Many people are not aware of the extensive list of manufacturing-related professions, many of which have been known to command annual salaries between $50,000 and $100,000. And, with advances in technology - such as the use of robotics and new metal alloys and other materials – skilled candidates in all of these areas are needed more than ever before.”

Participation in the Job Fair is available to Show exhibitors as well as AWS Sustaining and Supporting Company Members. FMA and SME corporate members are also welcome to participate. Participation in the Workforce Development Pavilion is available to all show attendees.  All professional levels, from students just entering the workforce to industry veterans, are welcome.
For more information about the Job Fair and Workforce Development Pavilion, please contact Alfred Nieves at ext. 467, or Cassie Burrell at 800-443-9353, ext. 253.  Career-seeking participants should dress professionally and bring a resume. 
For details and free online registration for the 2007 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, please visit the website at http://www.aws.org/expo/.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
The 2007 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show returns to McCormick Place in Chicago.  Taking place November 11-14, it is the largest event in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube & pipe, and welding equipment and technology. Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA) and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and supported by industry partner the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the event is expected to bring in an estimated 25,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors covering 475,000 square feet of exhibit space.

ATTENDEES:
Thousands of Buyers and sellers from over 75 countries will gather at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show to exchange products and services, network with peers, see new products, problem-solve, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. Representatives from major industries, including aerospace, agriculture, appliance, and automotive OEMs and their suppliers, to construction, heavy equipment, military and defense, mining and utilities, recreational equipment, and non-automotive transportation, attend this show to see new products and gather ideas and information to make their companies more productive and profitable.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Leadership Summit: November 12 - “Addressing the Shortage of Skilled Workers in U.S. Manufacturing” – Key representatives from our nation’s government, local community, as well as the manufacturing sector, will come together for a lively and informative panel discussion to address one of the most important issues affecting the industry today.  Experts and stakeholders will discuss the strategies, challenges and solutions to building a competitive manufacturing workforce in a challenging recruiting environment.

Executive Forum Breakfast: November 13 - “How Manufacturers Can Find Growth Opportunities in the New Economy” presented by Michael P. Collins, author and consultant, MPC Management.  This important session, designed exclusively for company leaders and decision-makers, will outline steps small and mid-size manufacturers can take to not only survive, but also compete and grow in a global economy.

FREE Business Improvement Seminars: November 12-14 - Specifically oriented to the needs of managers and business owners, sessions include: Selecting Lean Building Blocks, featuring a panel discussion with three Lean experts on Monday, November 12; Job Shop Marketing, presented by Rob Edwards, The Job Shop Company on Tuesday, November 13; and Workforce Performance Improvement, presented by Mark Ernst, Ernst Enterprises, LLC on Wednesday, November 14.

Laser Cutting Certificate Program: November 12 – 14 - This certificate program will build on fundamental knowledge of CNC operations and part design for CO2 laser cutting. Attendees will apply this information in a uniquely designed hands-on demonstration area in the North Hall optimizing the operation of a CNC laser cutting machine. Visit www.sme.org/certificates for more information, including registration.

End User Forum: November 13 - This free forum brings together the end-user welding community for a one-of-a-kind, content-rich productivity learning experience.  Presenters will cover real-life productivity issues and allow fabricators to engage in discussions with their peers away from the shop floor.

Innovation Theater: November 11-14 - Conveniently located on the show floor in the North Hall, the Innovation Theater will showcase free, 30-minute, exhibitor-led product and technology demonstrations throughout each day of the show.  This is a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about some of the industry’s latest innovations, what a product does and how it can benefit their own operation.  A full schedule of presentations can be found online at www.fmafabtech.com or www.sme.org/fabtech.

Job Fair: November 12-13 - Representatives of companies seeking prospective employees will be on hand in the Job Fair/Workforce Development Pavilion to meet with professionals or students just entering the workforce. Employment service providers, schools and associations will also be in the pavilion to offer their support and assistance in workforce development and employment-related opportunities.

Professional Welders Competition: November 12-14 - Professional welders will compete on the show floor Monday and Tuesday for a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500 and recognition as the best welder in America.  Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14. Visit www.aws.org/competition for more information, including competition rules and safety rules.

Show Hours:
November 11: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
November 12:  9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
November 13:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 14:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information about the 2007 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show or to register to attend the show, visit www.sme.org/fabtech, www.fmafabtech.com or www.aws.org/show. For customer service, call SME at (800) 733-4763, or (313) 271-1500 (outside the U.S. and Canada). Or, call FMA at (800) 432-2832, or (815) 399-8755 (outside the U.S. and Canada).

Future show dates and locations:  October 6 – 8, 2008 in Las Vegas, November 15 - 18, 2009 in Chicago, and November 2 – 4, 2010 in Atlanta.

ABOUT AWS:
The American Welding Society is the largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied processes including joining, brazing, soldering, cutting, and thermal spray.  AWS provides a variety of industry services, including welding certifications, educational programs, scholarships and workforce development through our Foundation and publications. Visit the Society’s Web site at www.aws.org.

ABOUT FMA:
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Int’l is a non-profit educational association dedicated exclusively to metal forming and fabricating professionals. FMA brings the metal forming and fabricating community together through networking sessions, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and award programs and provides the tools and resources needed by companies to improve operations. Visit www.fmanet.org for more information.

ABOUT SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The Society, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2007, has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

ABOUT NAM:
NAM is the nation’s oldest and largest broad-based industrial trade association representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Visit the NAM Web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.

Note: To view photos associated with this release, please visit the press photo gallery in AWS’ press room: http://www.aws.org/pr/photos.html.

EDITOR CONTACTS:
Adrienne Zalkind, AWS
(800) 443-9353, ext. 416
azalkind@aws.org