Troy, OH - March 14, 2006 -- The Dayton Section of the American Welding Society held their Annual Student Night, “Careers in Welding,” hosted by the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT) in Troy, Ohio.  Over 100 students from various vocational schools as well as from Hobart Institute, welding instructors, parents, and AWS members were in attendance. 

Chris Anderson of Motoman, Inc., AWS Section Chairman, served as emcee and focused his comments on the student memberships and scholarships related to the American Welding Society.   He commented on the need for welders.  Chris then introduced André Odermatt, President of the Hobart Institute, who welcomed the audience to Hobart. 

André shared the message, “Welders are desperately needed and welding training can be the first step in a rewarding career.” 

André also read an impressive e-mail he recently received from a former Hobart student and now president of a company with 800 employees.

Keynote speaker of the evening was Randy Ward of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, who spoke about apprenticeship and explained that their union was “looking for the cream of the crop.”  Randy went on to explain that the UA had 350,000 members in the U.S.  Randy stated, “Welding is a critical part of our organization,” and attendance is a key factor in any job.  He shared the process required for entrance into the United Association.

Chris Anderson then introduced Zane Michael of Motoman, Inc.  Zane’s career path began at the Hobart Institute, first as a student and later as an instructor, before he became involved in robotics.  Zane has also pursued higher education, earning a masters degree and is now the Director of Marketing and Product Development at Motoman, Inc.  Zane encouraged students to work hard and stay in school.  He emphasized the importance of a positive attitude to success at work. 

“If you are serious and persistent about your work, employers will notice and will provide you with opportunities,” says Zane, who believes that “Attitude, Education, Experience, and Performance,” are the keys to becoming a success. 

Door prizes for the evening were provided by a variety of vendors to the welding industry.  Grand prizes in the student raffle included: a Hobart Handler weld package, a Lincoln weld package, a credit for Motoman Robot Training, and a credit for an OTC training class.  Tours of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology including newly remodeled classrooms, bookstore and library, followed the program.