Are welding sales representatives just middlemen or do they play a crucial role in the success of the welding and fabrication industry? The American Welding Society (AWS) believes that well-performing sales professionals are vital, and many of their customers agree.
A new certification program from AWS is the first to recognize the importance of technical expertise and experience in the functions that sales people perform in the welding field. The Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) credential was launched by AWS in the fall of 2009 and immediately attracted managers and sales personnel from welding distributors and equipment manufacturers.
AWS makes this course available at trade shows like FABTECH/ AWS and at company locations by request. Prerequisites for the CWSR program include a high school diploma or its equivalent, and at least five years’ experience in selling welding equipment and supplies. By taking the CWSR seminars a sales representative with between two and five years of relevant experience can be qualified to take the exam.
Seminar attendees receive personal copies of ANSI Z49.1 (Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes), AWS A5.32/A5.32M (Specification for Welding Shielding Gases), and Welding Handbook volumes 1 and 2. The first day of the two-and-a-half-day seminar typically covers terminology, safety, ventilation, shielding gases, power source requirements, and shielded metal arc welding. Day two covers gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, and submerged arc welding. The final half-day covers plasma and oxy-fuel cutting processes. Brazing and soldering processes are covered, as well.
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