Workforce Develeopment: April is National Welding Month
NOTE: Founded in 1919, The American Welding Society (AWS) is a nonprofit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. The AWS Foundation, the force behind National Welding Month, shares important information on careers in welding. And, to learn more about how welding connects our world, view an AWS video here.
The welding industry offers a wide variety of dynamic and challenging careers. Structural welders help to construct skyscrapers and bridges. Underwater welders are needed on offshore oil rigs. Welder-operators use automated welding systems to manufacture cars. In addition to welders, other professionals such as certified inspectors and engineers rely on welding to do their jobs. Without these professionals, our country would fall apart.
The demand for skilled welding professionals is constantly growing. By 2025, our nation’s workforce will need over 400,000 welders to satisfy the demands of several industries. To help fill this need, the AWS Foundation is doing its part to promote the industry and build a skilled workforce. Our career resources and scholarships help students to learn about the vast number of opportunities our industry has to offer. Our Careers in Welding mobile exhibit also provides students with an interactive learning experience which will spark their interest in welding.
National Welding Month
National Welding Month is about taking the time to recognize and reflect on the impact welding has on our daily life. Every day in thousands of shipyards, automotive assembly plants and construction sites, skilled welding professionals are working to build the structures and products on which the American economy depends. These professionals are behind the scenes welding the very backbone of industry and your world. The month of April is a chance to spotlight the welding industry’s past, present and future through education, mentorship and recognition.
Why is it important?
National Welding Month is an important opportunity to highlight an industry where trade skills are in dire need. The industry is predicting a shortage of over 200,000 skilled welding professionals by 2020. By spotlighting the opportunities available in our industry we can create a better future for welding and the professionals that choose welding as a career.
About Welding
- Welding is the joining of two or more materials through heat or heat and pressure, forming a bond between two pieces of metal or plastic.
- There are more than 80 welding processes.
- Welding is used to build ships, automobiles, planes and space vehicles.
- Welding is used in construction of buildings, bridges, pipelines, power plants and oil refineries.
- Welding is used in the manufacturing of small electronic devices, medical equipment, and nanotechnology.
- Advancements in materials, processes and equipment, make modern welding an increasingly high-tech skill.
Industry Outlook
- Advancing manufacturing technology creates more uses for welding in the workplace and is expanding opportunities.
- New materials are creating a greater need for a highly educated and innovative welder workforce.
- Automation reinforces the need for skilled machine operators.
- There is an increased emphasis on skilled workers with identifiable credentials to ensure quality.
- By 2025, our nation’s workforce will need more than 400,000 welders in several industries
- Many welders are highly skilled problem-solvers working in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas and shipbuilding industries.
- A welding career can lead to financial security, career advancement and important work in areas around the world.
CAREER RESOURCES
If you know of a young person who may have an interest in a career in welding, the AWS Website has a plethora of resources available ranging from videos on welding careers to magazines and career guides. AWS has teamed up with Marvel Comics to create a one-of-a-kind Iron Man issue that’s entertaining from start to finish! In just 18 pages, readers learn about the benefits of choosing a welding career; they will learn about the exciting jobs the welding industry can offer them as well as helpful resources to get them started on the road to success. A Women in Welding video features profiles on a welding instructor, a certified welding inspector, a welding technician, a welding process specialist and even a company president.
Visit AWS’ Career Resources page online to access the videos and materials mentioned above.