Show Job Fair Seeks to Encourage Careers in Manufacturing

ROCKFORD, Ill., October 8, 2007 - Area junior and senior high school students will spend a busy day at the 2007 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in Chicago to gain insight into careers in manufacturing thanks to a program developed by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA). Taking place Nov. 11-14, FABTECH & AWS Welding Show 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.

Seven buses will transport students from each of the five Rockford public high school plus Hononegah High school in Rockton, Ill.,  and Winnebago High School in Winnebago, Ill. The chamber expects a total of 250-275 students to attend the show on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14.

“The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show is an ideal opportunity for juniors and seniors at the high school level to learn about water jets, plasma cutting, hydroforming, lasers, roll forming, stampings, tube & pipe technology, welding and robotic automation and other machines and processes involved in fabrication, welding and tooling careers,” said Steve Yagle, chair of the education outreach committee for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “We want students to experience these processes and talk to industry specialists to learn about career opportunities as they are our future engineers and business leaders in the manufacturing industry.”

As part of the educational program, each bus will include teachers from the respective high school’s vocational department, career counselors and manufacturer mentors to talk to students and answer questions about career opportunities.

“The shortage of skilled workers is a major industry concern and the number one issue facing employers in the metal forming and fabricating sector,” said Gerald Shankel, president & CEO of FMA. “This initiative addresses the importance of introducing young people to these jobs in order to train tomorrow’s workforce.”

As an additional resource to encourage people to pursue careers in manufacturing, the 2007 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show will host a Job Fair & Workforce Development Pavilion for students and others in the industry to meet with representatives of companies seeking employees. The job fair takes place Monday, Nov. 12 and Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is free and open to all FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show attendees.

While at the pavilion, people who seek input on potential career paths can visit with employment service providers and associations who will be on hand to offer their support and assistance in workforce development and other employment-related opportunities. The Workforce Development area of the pavilion will be open Sunday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees also can learn about the scholarship program offered through the foundations of the event sponsors which provide scholarships for students completing technical school degrees or university degrees leading to careers in manufacturing.

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

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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.

EDITOR CONTACT:
FMA: Jackie McBain, (815) 227-8270, jackiem@fmafabtech.com