Welding is necessary for more than 50% of US-manufactured goods, so to say that it is essential to the economy would be an understatement. Sadly, the US is facing a severe shortage of welders due to an aging labor force. In the US, the average employee age is 42, but in the welding business, it is 55.
As a result, the US needed approximately 375,000 welding specialists to fill employment vacancies as of 2023, and that number continues to rise. Decades of deindustrialization, foreign manufacturing, and young adults’ preference for knowledge-based jobs over skilled trades jobs after graduation are the leading causes of this shortfall.
On the positive side, this high demand for welders means that a career in welding can mean stable and potentially lucrative employment. Here are some more insights for those considering making a career in welding.
Job Prospects for Welders
Many industries, including mining, energy, architecture, engineering, construction, mechanics, and the military, have significant demand for welders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welder employment will increase by 2% between 2019 and 2029. The bureau also states that the nation’s aging infrastructure will support employment in this sector for a while, which may contribute to job stability for qualified welders. Of course, as in any occupation, your job prospects are partially dependent on factors like your level of experience and your willingness to relocate.
Welding Specialties
Under the general umbrella of the occupation of welder, there are a wide range of more specific types of welding, which allow professionals the opportunity to specialize. Here are just a few:
- Aerospace welding
- Underwater welding
- Shipyard welding
- Auto body welding
- Military support welding
- Pipefitting
- Boilermaking
What Training is Necessary for Welding Jobs?
Welding training can take place in the classroom or on the job. However, attending a teaches you to read engineering prints, safety procedures, and several welding methods, including oxyacetylene, advanced shielded metal arc, gas metal, and gas tungsten arc welding.
Welding certificate programs can assist you in expanding your basic understanding of the techniques and procedures involved in welding. Once certified as a welder, you may begin hands-on training with an apprenticeship in the specialty you choose to pursue. It will entail doing supervised work and shadowing someone to get insight into a welder’s typical workday and duties.
Train for In-Demand Welding Jobs With ETI
The skilled welding program at ETI School of Skilled Trades can have you ready to help fill the increasing need for professional welders in as little as seven months. Our 13,000 square foot welding lab features industry-current equipment for realistic jobsite training. You’ll get trained by experienced instructors with years of real-world know-how. After graduation, you’ll be ready to pursue certification and have the benefit of a 20-year relationship we’ve built with local businesses who are eager to hire ETI students. Enroll today, or get in touch any time with questions.