American Welding Society Offers New Membership Program

A new membership program from the American Welding Society (AWS) seeks to empower welders to utilize their buying power for instant discounts at dozens of Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) -member stores nationwide. Welders can also receive discounts on insurance, welding books and training, and other services.

"AWS has negotiated on behalf of its 55,000 members so that welder members can receive significant discounts from participating GAWDA-member welding supply distributors,? said Cassie Burrell, AWS Deputy Executive Director. ?We have also arranged access to AWS health insurance and dental plans, plus discounts on auto and home insurance for welders.?

With changes in the economy, many welders are moving into high-growth industries such as green energy and infrastructure. For their new job environments, welders often need to purchase new protective equipment. They also want to maintain their access to health care insurance. This program addresses both of those needs, by providing the opportunity for savings on safety apparel, welding helmets, tools, and other gear, as well as access to customized insurance coverage.

As AWS members, welders also can attend the regular meetings of more than 200 local AWS chapters, called ?sections?, where they network to find the career opportunities and share their expertise with others.

www.aws.org