The challenge presently faced by the welding industry is a major shortage of skilled welders in the United States. With approximately 500,000 welders in the workforce, the average welder today is in his or her mid-fifties and nearing retirement.
With welders retiring at twice the pace of new welders coming into the field, it’s anticipated that by 2010, we’ll see a shortfall of 200,000 welders.
Since welding is the most common way to join metals — which is critical to manufacturing, construction, energy and infrastructure — it is vital to rebuild our welding workforce.
In 2007, the American Welding Society (AWS) (www.aws.org), along with industry partners, announced a comprehensive Welder Work Force Development plan to address the shortage of skilled welding personnel.
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