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in Vol. 10 - July Issue - Year 2009
The Elcometer Building at NACE International Becomes the First Freestanding Training Center In North America Dedicated Exclusively to Corrosion Education

Demand for skilled corrosion workers remains strong

HOUSTON, TX – NACE International, the corrosion society, has announced that its new 15,000 square foot training center at the headquarters in Houston, Texas has been named "The Elcometer Building at NACE International".
Through the generosity of Nanette Sellars, in memory of her husband Ian Sellars, and with her son, Elcometer president and CEO Michael Sellars, Elcometer, a worldwide manufacturer of inspection equipment, has become the building’s sponsor.
The $2.4 million facility is the first freestanding training center in North America dedicated exclusively to advancing corrosion education.
Corrosion is an ongoing and costly threat to assets in the energy, transportation, water, defense, and marine and shipbuilding industries. According to a recent study commissioned by the US Government, the cost of corrosion in the U.S. alone is over $276 billion, or more than 3% GDP, annually. In addition to the financial consequences, corrosion can cause significant safety and environmental issues.
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the lack of professionals entering the field, according to the 2008 NACE International Corrosion Career Survey. In the next five to ten years, it is expected that a significant percentage of the corrosion industry’s workforce will be retiring, creating an unprecedented demand for skilled corrosion professionals.
"The Elcometer Building is the cornerstone of NACE International’s commitment to develop the next generation of skilled workers," said Tony Keane, executive director, NACE International. "We will prepare them for a comprehensive career in corrosion prevention and mitigation, and help open the doors for job opportunities and greater earning potential as the world steps up its effort to maintain its aging infrastructure.
The new training center will help NACE International accommodate more than 3,000 students annually in the U.S. as they earn world-recognized certifications in coatings, cathodic protection, and other professional endeavors related to corrosion identification, prevention and mitigation. Additionally, NACE International estimates that more than 4,500 others will attend classes in more than 20 countries outside the U.S. in 2009.
Courses are available for educational levels from high school graduate, or equivalent experience, to senior engineer.
The Elcomter building is a key part of the stated mission of NACE International: to protect people, assets, and the environment from the effects of corrosion.
Elcometer are world leaders in the supply and manufacture of a complete range of inspection equipment for both the coatings and concrete industries.
NACE International is proud to announce that, along with Elcometer, the following companies and individuals made significant contributions or material donations: American Innovations, Bass Engineering, Carboline, Champion Technologies, ConocoPhillips, Elaine Byerley, Sherwin-Williams, and Tinker & Rasor.
NACE International, the corrosion society, is recognized worldwide as the professional association dedicated to promoting public safety, protecting the environment, and reducing the economic impact of related to the effects of corrosion. Founded in 1943, NACE International has more than 21,000 members doing business in 110 countries, and offers technical training and certification programs, sponsors conferences, and produces industry standards, reports, publications, and software.

For Information: Cliff Johnson
Director of Public Affairs, NACE International
Tel. +1.281.228 6213
E-mail: cliff.johnson@nace.org