The projected shortage of welders… it’s been talked to death in every circle. But have you yet heard the figures?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that in order to fill the gap after a generation of baby boomers retires, the industry will need a total of 240,000 new recruits every year, a projected total of 450,000 by 2014 in the U.S. alone.
But how to attract new welders?
Welding Magazine has a couple of ideas…
The Importance of Welding Education
By WILLIAM P. HITE, General President, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumb | Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Welding, in one form or another, has been an integral part of the work performed by the United Association for nearly 100 years. While the technology of welding has evolved dramatically during that period of time, the need for skilled welders in our industry is greater than ever.
Today’s welder must be proficient in multiple welding processes. At the very minimum, he or she must be able to weld all manner of piping using the manual SMAW and GTAW processes, but the necessary skills sets do not stop there.
