By André Odermatt

The media has, in recent times, been abundantly reporting about the shortage of skilled labor and, in particular, the shortage of welders. Much of this shortage is due to the retirement of the “baby boomer” generation.  If this projected increasing shortage of skilled welders cannot be resolved, it is bound to have a dramatic effect on our economy. Why? Because welding is used to join all the commercial metals and alloys of different types and strengths.

Welding is vital to our national economy and the defense of our nation. It is often said that more than 50% of the country’s gross national product is related to welding in one way or another. This is why a shortage of this important trade may potentially have a significant negative impact on our economy.

The American Welding Society has started a ten million dollar capital campaign, Welding for the Strength of America, which includes a welder workforce development program. The National Science Foundation has provided $4.9 million to establish a National Center for Welding Education and Training. There are probably many more initiatives taking place around the country to help reduce this shortage, which has been estimated to be around 200,000 by 2010.

Please note the Unemployment Rates graph that shows unemployment in selected states and there is a line that shows the nationwide unemployment rate. Unemployment is on the increase again. Nationwide, there are over seven million people unemployed. The welding industry needs 200,000 welders. This represents 2.8% of the total unemployment number. It seems that somehow, there should be a way to convince at least 2.8 percent of unemployed people that welders are needed and that welding pays well. If it were possible to FOCUS financial and human resources towards this small percentage of unemployed, the shortage could be virtually eliminated.

You can help!  Our research shows that one of the most effective ways to let others know about welding opportunities is through word of mouth.  If each of you who read this article tell your friends and your children about this amazing opportunity and encourage them to spread the word, the shortage could be greatly alleviated. 

Companies can help by financially supporting the American Welding Society’s campaign and by spreading the word through their corporate advertising methods and employee newsletters.  They can also contribute by offering competitive wages to employees with talents and skills.  Schools can help by maintaining welding programs and promoting these classes to youth and area industry.  It may also be helpful if the amount of available regional welder training would be more in line with the population of welders in the region. According to information available to me, in the state of Connecticut there is one welding school supporting a workforce of almost 3,000 welders whilst on the other extreme, there are 125 welding schools in Kentucky, supporting a workforce of over 8,000 welders, which is a ratio of 69 welders per welding school.     

This nation was founded on innovation.  This worker shortage is not an overwhelming problem and it can be solved through cooperation.  If you have ideas to share, let us know.  Think about being part of the solution!