The American Welding Society (AWS) announced today that The Lincoln Electric Company will donate $300,000 to the AWS Foundation to help relieve a 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 AWS and other industry research, the average age of a welder is in the mid-fifties. 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.

Lincoln will donate the funds over a two year period beginning in 2008. Lincoln will also contribute marketing support and partner with AWS to produce a promotional welding career video to be used online, in classrooms and throughout 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 address the critical need for recruitment and specialized training of entry-level welders while supporting industry workforce needs. It is an essential component of the AWS Foundation’s $10 million capital campaign, Welding for the Strength of America, which is aimed at facilitating programs, scholarships and other initiatives in support of the welding industry. At year-end 2007, the AWS Foundation had raised $2.6 million toward its campaign effort.