The American Welding Society and the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee, a standing committee for the AWS, is seeking nominations for the Sixth Annual Image of Welding Awards.

The deadline for submissions is June 15.

The awards are issued in seven categories, and the winners will be announced at the Image of Welding Awards ceremony that will be held during the FabTech International/AWS Welding Show Oct. 6 through 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have shown exemplary dedication to promoting the image of welding in their communities.

“Raising public awareness about welding is vital to establishing a positive image for the industry,” said Jim Horvath, chair of the AWS Image of Welding Subcommittee.

“Every year, welding professionals triumph in inspiring young adults to join the field. Their passion helps to reverse negative and untrue industry stereotypes, such as unclean working environments and low salaries, which contribute to poor recruitment and the growing shortage of welders.”

The American Welding Society estimates that there will be a shortage of about 200,000 welders by 2010.

The Image of Welding program is part of a wider AWS campaign to draw positive attention to the welding industry, and includes the new AWS welding career guide targeted at students, parents, teachers and guidance counselors and includes success stories.

Image of Welding Awards categories are: Individual; Section (AWS local chapter); Large Business (200 or more employees); Small Business (less than 200 employees); Distributor (welding products); Educator and Educational Facility. All individuals, organizations and groups may be nominated for multiple categories.

Nominations will be judged by WEMCO, which is composed of executives of welding industry suppliers to promote the welding equipment market.

To nominate an individual, group or organization for an award, send a written explanation of the nominee’s qualifications and contact information, along with your name, phone number, email and mailing address, to Adrienne Zalkind at azalkind@aws.org or by postal mail to AWS Image of Welding Awards, 550 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida, 33126, by June 15.

For questions and other requests, call the American Welding Society at 800-443-9353.