SGS has scheduled nine American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) courses in Latin America for 2009, including Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. The AWS is a non-profit organisation that aims to advance the science, technology and application of welding and related joining disciplines. The training program prepares candidates for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector examination. Participants receive comprehensive welding inspection education and practical experience in welding processes and procedures. This training includes, among other topics, welding inspection technology and visual inspection workshops. The AWS/CWI certification is recognised worldwide in the welding industry. The AWS/CWI course schedule for 2009 is as follows: Columbia – Bogota, 20-25 April, 6-11 July, 30 November to 5 December; Peru – Lima, 16-21 March; Ecuador – Quito, 25-30 May; Panama – Panama City, 11-17 May; Venezuela – Caracas, 2-8 March, 13-19 July, 9-13 November.