FABTECH 2010 will feature discussions on filling labor gap.
Press Release Summary:
Taking place in Atlanta, GA from November 2-4, FABTECH 2010 will address need for skilled labor in manufacturing industry. There will be networking opportunities and chances to discuss skilled labor gap as well as tactics for bringing in new labor. To encourage young people to consider careers in trades, several hundred students have been invited to experience manufacturing technologies firsthand and learn about manufacturing, welding, and construction job opportunities.
Original Press Release:
FABTECH 2010 Discussion Topic: Filling the Skilled Labor Gap
DEARBORN, Mich. - The need for skilled labor in the manufacturing industry will be among the leading topics of discussion at the 2010 FABTECH show in Atlanta, Nov. 2-4. Scores of American manufacturers report they face a labor gap as more and more baby boomers retire and new technologies require new skills.
According to the 2010 Manpower Talent Shortage Survey, among the most difficult jobs to fill in North America are those of the skilled manual trades, with electricians, carpenters, plumbers and welders among the most in-demand employees.
"Two important concerns for manufacturing executives are finding production efficiencies and hiring and keeping qualified labor," said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show co-manager. "Shops often can't find qualified people with the skills necessary. Young people need to know there is a high demand and great future potential - including the opportunity to own and operate your own business - that comes with a career in the skilled trades."
Hoper added, "FABTECH is the gathering point for the forming and fabricating industry to discuss important industry issues. All of the sponsors and the show itself offer numerous networking opportunities for people to discuss the skilled labor gap, and tactics being used to bring in young talent."
One way FABTECH organizers hope to encourage more young people to consider careers in the trades is by inviting them to the event. Several hundred students from local schools are expected to visit the show to experience manufacturing technologies firsthand, and to learn about manufacturing, welding and construction job opportunities.
"The show offers students the opportunity to see what a career in manufacturing means," said John Catalano, FABTECH show co-manager. "What they see today are very sophisticated machine tools run by programmers and software engineers who produce precise parts in efficient ways. We want them to talk to industry specialists to learn about career opportunities as they are our future engineers and business leaders in the industry."
The show also features a welding competition that pits the top six finalists selected from 24 student welders who competed in the SkillsUSA Championships 2009 and 2010. Three of the competitors will qualify to advance to the next phase of the selection process that culminates at the SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City, Mo., next June.
"The Weld-Off Competition event is open for the public. It represents another opportunity for young people to learn about an exciting career and witness some of the most talented welders in the country," said Catalano.
As an additional resource to interest people in manufacturing, the 2010 FABTECH Show will host a Career Pavilion for students and others in the industry to network with career development advisors. The fair takes place Tuesday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is free and open to all show attendees.
Co-sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int'l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), FABTECH is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, welding, stamping, tube and pipe, and finishing equipment and technology.
The 2010 FABTECH event is expected to draw 22,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibiting companies covering more than 350,000 net square feet of floor space. Buyers and sellers from around the world will come together at this exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, problem-solve and discover new products and vendors. Show admission is free with advance registration before October 30, 2010.
To register for FABTECH 2010 call 800-432-2832 or visit www.fabtechexpo.com. Attendees can follow FABTECH and get updates at the show's social media sites on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (@FabtechExpo).
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), is an educational association dedicated to improving the metal forming and fabricating industry. FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, and networking events, while providing resources needed by companies to improve operations. Visit FMA at www.fmanet.org.
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is a professional society supporting manufacturing professionals. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources and online training, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Visit SME at www.sme.org.
The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. For more information, visit www.aws.org.
The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) is the full-service trade association representing the $113-billion metalforming industry of North America. PMA leads innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability through advocacy, networking, statistics, the PMA Educational Foundation, FABTECH and METALFORM tradeshows, and MetalForming magazine. Visit PMA at www.pma.org
The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) is a technical and professional organization that provides information and training on surface coating technologies. Visit CCAI at www.ccaiweb.com.
NOTE TO MEDIA:
Working journalists are invited to cover FABTECH at no charge. By registering to attend, verified press will receive free access to the event and all exhibitor press conferences. Expedite your entry into the show by pre-registering (MS Word).
