Have you ever stopped to think about how welding holds our world together? From the smallest welds that hold together household goods to bigger welds that form our cars, bridges and buildings, welding is the glue that holds our world together.
By definition, welding is the joining of two or more materials through heat or heat and pressure to form a bond between two pieces of metal or plastic. As advancements in materials, processes, and equipment continue, modern welding is becoming an increasingly high-tech and valuable skill.
Welding is used in the automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding and construction industries to fabricate high-quality products you see every day as well as to weld sculptures and unique metal art projects. Welding is also used in the manufacturing of small electronic devices, medical equipment, and nanotechnology. In fact, more than 50 percent of U.S. products require welding, according to the American Welding Society (AWS).
Despite the great need for welders in our modern world, the welding industry continues to face a huge shortage of skilled welders. Some reasons behind the welder shortage include the need to replace retiring welders, negative perceptions about the career, and an increased need for welding in general. Believe it or not, by 2024, the U.S. will need more than 314,000 welding professionals.
How can we change the perception of a career as a welder? We start talking and combating the negative perceptions about what being a welder really looks like.
Welders are highly-skilled problem solvers, and a welding career can lead to financial security, career advancement and important work all around the world. A career in welding gives individuals without a four-year college degree the opportunity to earn a decent salary. While wages for welding professionals vary by location, occupation, certifications, experience level and other factors, the national median salary for welding jobs is $43,789/year. Plus, there are several options to receive formal training and start a career as a welder. Most welding opportunities require a high school diploma as well as technical and on-the-job training. Earning a professional welding certification can reward you in significant ways, including higher salary potential, stronger employment demand and better job stability.
Watch more videos from the AWS on what it’s like to be a welder here, and learn more about the most recent welding workforce data and projections endorsed by the AWS here.
April is National Welding Month–a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable work welders do to hold our world together, keep products rolling off our assembly lines and our economy booming. The AWS established April as National Welding Month in 1996 to bring awareness to the welding industry and its available career paths. So, how can we celebrate National Welding Month? Here are a few ideas:
Atlas Welding Supply is a leading provider of products and services that support welding. We are proud to support several local welding training programs and technical schools. Contact us to learn how our products safely maximize productivity, increase efficiency, reduce rejects, and improve your working environment.