Vellis Knowledge Inc. Joins the Best in e Learning with the Most Popular Courses from The American Welding Society - Introducing WeldAcademy

Contact:
Nannette Zapata - (800) 443-9353 ext. 308
Corporate Director, Corporate Communications & Society Affairs

Randy S. Mueller
Vellis Knowledge, Inc.
312-988-7711

Cleveland -- May 6, 2001 -- Vellis Knowledge Inc., and the American Welding Society (AWS), introduced WeldAcademy today at the Max International Exposition. WeldAcademy is a new way to learn about welding technology and the welding industry through web-based courseware that creates a "virtual classroom" to meet the busy schedules and targeted training needs of today's workforce.

In partnership, the American Welding Society and Vellis Knowledge have created a web-based, multimedia course based on AWS’ popular "Welding Inspection Technology" (WIT) seminar. Traditionally taught in a classroom using a standard textbook, "Welding Inspection Technology" was an ideal subject for adaptation to the more interactive, self-paced and visual nature of online learning.

According to Dr. Frank DeLaurier, Executive Director for AWS, "We are excited about the possibility of accomplishing part of our educational mission through our collaboration with Vellis Knowledge, Inc. The delivery of our many educational products in a web-based learning environment will ensure that industry can take advantage of the latest technical information AWS has to offer."

Douglas Brenner, Chief Executive Officer for Vellis Knowledge, Inc., said "This relationship with AWS is the perfect fit for Vellis, as we focus on integration of technology, courseware-content, and services to improve learning outcomes for industrial workers. This is much more than just a lower cost training solution."

WeldAcademy is a web-based, 10 module course that will benefit everyone involved in welding technology including Supervisory and Management personnel, Weldment Design Engineers, Advanced Welders, as well as entry level workers being trained to inspect their own work.

"WeldAcademy provides better learning outcomes and it delivers the training you need, when you need it, anytime and anywhere," added Brenner. Through technology integration, Vellis offers a solution to the most critical problem of its industrial manufacturing clients: the widening skills gap between the rapid change and complexity of today's technologies and the current knowledge base of the work force.

WeldAcademy courses are available for order today and are also available in Spanish.

About Vellis Knowledge Incorporated

Vellis Knowledge transforms workforce skills into a competitive advantage for its industrial customers. Vellis delivers technology-driven, closed loop solutions that link technical e training to strategic business drivers.

Vellis, a privately held company, is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and also operates offices in Brisbane, Australia. Visit the company's web site at www.Vellis.com.

About American Welding Society

The American Welding Society, founded in 1919, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing the science, technology and application of materials joining. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, AWS serves over 50,000 members in the United States and around the world. www.aws.org.