The demand for welding jobs is growing with no sign of slowing down at anytime soon. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting that the job opportunities for welders will grow with over 45,800 job openings expected over the next decade.
The top industries that are always on the lookout for skilled welding technicians include manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the number of opportunities for skilled welding technicians is expected to increase by 22% through 2026. With that in mind, it is essential to be on top of welding job market trends. Right now, the average age of welding technicians is 55, so it is critical to get the younger generation interested in this type of work.
6 Things to Keep in Mind When it Comes to Welding Opportunities
Welding technicians are essential roles in many different types of industries including manufacturing, aerospace, general construction, oil and gas, and automotive. Keep the following things in mind when it comes to recruiting and hiring welding technicians.
The Critical Role of Welding Technicians in Manufacturing
If there were no welding technicians, there would be no buildings, cars, trucks, and many other essential things that we all take for granted. Welding technicians play a critical role in the world of manufacturing.
Current Demand and Job Market Trends
The current demand for welding technicians is great and the demand is getting larger. Job market trends show that the demand for skilled welding technicians is growing, there is also expected to be a shortage for these jobs.
Key Skills and Certifications for Welding Technicians
There are specific welding technician qualifications to look for, and a successful welding technician must have the following key skills:
- Detail oriented
- Organized
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to read blueprints
- Highly proficient with hands-on and automated arc welding, as well as various cutting processes
- Extensive knowledge of welding equipment, wielding techniques, and joining processes
- Effective communication, both verbal and written
It is also critical that welding technicians are certified. This shows potential employers that he or she is wanting to take their career to the next level. Below are the main welding certifications, through the American Welding Society, to look for when recruiting or hiring a welding technician:
Certified Welder (CW)
This certification does not require any prerequisites and is earned through practical assessments.
Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) h
This certification is the highest-level certification for certified welders and recommended for experienced welders who have a desire to move into management. To be able to take this certification assessment, welding technicians must have at least 15 years of relevant work experience.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
This certification allows for more advancement opportunities, as well as a higher income potential. To be able to take this certification assessment, welding technicians must have at least one year of practical work experience.
Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
This certification allows an experienced welder with at least five years of experience to create and conduct skill and technical training for welding technicians.
Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
This certification proves a welding technician’s ability to analyze radiographs of the units a welder makes by fusing two pieces together, known as weldments.
Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)
This certification proves a welding technician’s advanced abilities in resistance processes for sheet metal, automobiles, appliances, and wire products.
Various Welding Process Certifications
Welding technicians can also gain certification in specific processes such as plate welding, later welding, pipe welding, soldering, and more.
Effective Recruitment Strategies for Welding Technicians
To ensure that you are placing the right welding technician into the right job, it is critical to follow these important recruitment strategies:
- When evaluating his or her qualifications, also ensure that they have a high level of professionalism as well as a good attitude.
- Make sure the job descriptions are well written and informative.
- Take advantage of social media, especially LinkedIn, and use career sites.
- Ask the right screening questions during the initial interview.
- Build a talent pool, which is a group of candidates who are ready to work when roles become available.
Leveraging Apprenticeships and Training Programs
Consider leveraging welding apprenticeships in manufacturing and training programs to find those candidates who are looking for a stable career in welding, but who do not want to attend a four-year college. Both apprenticeships and training programs offer real life experience which is a great opportunity.
There are many options for training programs for up-and-coming welding technicians, such as community colleges, online programs, and technical schools. These training programs can take anywhere between six months and two years to complete. Organizations can also provide on the job training programs
Retention Strategies for Skilled Welding Technicians
Retention strategies for skilled welding technicians are essential to reduce employee turnover and increased productivity. There are many strategies for keeping skilled welding technicians engaged at work, such as:
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Growth opportunities
- Work-life balance
- Good onboarding and orientation experience
- Training and development
- Mentorship opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Employee recognition programs
- Continuous feedback on performance
A career as a welding technician offers growth and stability for those drawn to an essential role in one of today’s leading industries.