Despite cool projects, available work is outpacing qualified tradespeople—largely due to an aging workforce.
Welding groups aren't recruiting women at the exclusion of men. Instead, they're reaching out to everyone—including a targeted push at women. "Any metal shop you talk to, they're desperate for good metal fabricators," said Scott Behr, owner of Total Metal Resource, based in Brooklyn, N.Y. Their work includes metal staircases and signage for the Colicchio & Sons restaurant and Chobani yogurt shop, both in Manhattan. Welding is fighting the notion that it's old-fashioned. Few younger people are choosing welding and related fields as careers. When 18- to 24-year-olds recently were asked what industry they preferred, manufacturing ranked fifth among seven industries. Technology came in first, with retail at seventh, according to the Manufacturing Institute in Washington, D.C. And while technology is ever-present in academics, schools have scaled back on shops and vocational training. The value of making something with your hands has taken a back seat to pursuing four-year degrees. "SINCE THERE'S A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS AND THE PAY IS GOOD, WELDING IS A MARVELOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG WOMEN."That’s now haunting manufacturing. Not only are welders older with few younger apprentices, key sectors like oil and gas, which require extensive pipe welding, is booming. Adding to the shortage in welders is reshoring—or the return of lost manufacturing to the U.S. that may require welding. The average American welder is 54-years-old, and about 45 percent of the workforce is in their 50s or older, said Monica Parr, corporate director of workforce development at the Miami-based American Welding Society. The U.S. economy includes more than 388,000 welding jobs. The welding society projects the need for 111,000 new welders in five years as industry needs grow and some workers retire. There are few women in the field: only 3 percent of U.S. professional welders are women. "Since there's a shortage of skilled workers and the pay is good, welding is a marvelous opportunity for young women," said Nancy Cole, last year's welding society president. Only the second female president in the group's 95-year history, Cole traveled to some 26 states and 13 countries in 2013 to stump for manufacturing and welding.
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Welding Technology ProgramThe Welding Technology program at Madison High school in Houston TX, prepares students for a variety of occupations in welding. Welding by gas and electricity (either arc or resistance) is a major part of this program. Methods used to fabricate and weld parts made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel and most other alloys are included in this program. Students prepare to take certification exams in welding and safety. This program offers an opportunity for certification from the American Welding Society Archives
March 2023
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