AWS and WEMCO Award TV Host

The American Welding Society (AWS; Miami, FL) and the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO), an association of welding manufacturers and a standing committee of AWS, have honored TV host Mike Rowe with a 2015 Excellence in Welding Award in the exceptional category.

The Excellence in Welding Awards are given out in ten categories to honor individuals and companies who make a powerful impact in their communities. The exceptional category is a special recognition given by the WEMCO executive committee to a person who goes above and beyond to promote welding and the skilled trades industries. Rowe is the first ever recipient of an Excellence in Welding Award in the exceptional category.

Best known as the “dirtiest man on TV,” a title he earned while hosting Discover Channel’s Dirty Jobs, Rowe is currently in production for his show Somebody’s Gotta Do It on CNN, in which he introduces viewers to innovators, do-gooders, entrepreneurs, collectors and fanatics with unique jobs that aren’t the most glamorous but make civilized life possible.

Rowe also the founded The mikeroweWorks Foundation, a public charity that awards work ethic scholarships to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. To date, it has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships across the country in support of closing the country’s skills gap.

As a strong supporter of the trades, Rowe often serves as a spokesperson for issues related to the skills gap, the aging workforce, and the meaning of a good job. “The entertainment industry loves to give out awards, and I’ve been honored with several in the past,” he says. “But for me, the awards that matter most are the ones like this. To be recognized by AWS is better than gratifying. It’s humbling. Because fundamentally, it’s a privilege to speak on behalf of some many good jobs that actually exist, and help shine a light on so many great opportunities. I’m flattered, and very proud to accept this award on behalf of everyone at mikeroweWorks, thanks!”

The remaining 2015 Excellence in Welding Award winners were announced on November 11, 2015, during the FABTECH show in Chicago, IL.

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