The George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston hosted the third iteration of Valve World’s North American trade show on July 15 and 16, a biennial event that brings together valve manufacturers and distributors to meet with valve users and other professionals interested in the educational offerings and a chance to examine and learn more about a wide variety of products.

Leafing through comments made by those who attended the most recent Valve Basics Seminar & Exhibits quickly reveals why these courses are so vital to the industry.

VMA is presenting a one-day version of its popular Valves, Actuators & Controls 101 educational program on July 14, the day before Valve World Americas Expo & Conference. This event is the showcase for the flow control industry in the Americas. A technical program covers a variety of valve and valve-related topics essential in today’s marketplace. Plenary sessions will include hot topics such as the future of shale gas and the overall outlook for energy while workshops will focus closely on specific subjects such as cryogenic applications, valve testing, materials specification and much more.

“We can’t find skilled workers. What’s going to happen when the baby boomers retire?” It’s a refrain we hear on the news or at gatherings of manufacturing professionals on a daily basis.

While it may seem a nearly impossible task to fill these jobs, there are numerous organizations in place working hard to attract and train men and women to keep the wheels of industry turning. The Valve Manufacturers Association has its own Valve Basics Course and the UA (Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders & Service Techs) has a comprehensive training program. Private manufacturers are also actively involved, with companies like Rockwell Automation and Harley Davidson working hard to attract women to the industrial workplace.