Page 15 - HIWT Spring 2013 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

CRITICAl ROlES

(Continued from page 13)

STATE OF WElDING

Just a few known facts:
It should come as no secret that there is a shortage of welders. Share your thoughts on these topics with us and

This has been published repeatedly in the news media. Raw with others. We are encouraging your dialogue.
statistics indicate that 240 thousand welders will be needed
by 2019.
The average age of a welder is 57 years old. Send us an e-mail: hiwt@welding.org or begin a
About 450,000 people are employed in welding. conversation on the Hobart Institute of
About 50,000 welders retire each year. Welding Technology Facebook page.
About 25,000 welders begin their welding career each year.
Approximately 95% of all manufactured products require Snail mail may be sent to Editor; Hobart
some sort of welding. There is no doubt that manufacturers in Institute of Welding Technology; 400 Trade
the U.S. have a talent problem. Employers are struggling to Square East; Troy, OH 45373. Let us
find “skilled” workers and it is impossible to fill all available know if we can publish your comment(s).
positions with the current trends of new talent.

According to Beth Hying of Caterpillar University, “In the
United States, people do not see manufacturing as a desirable
career path. The more we can drive young people to look at
manufacturing as an exciting career, the more open they will
be to continuous learning to advance their careers.”

FIllING THE GAp
Show Your
Much focus has been placed on high school students as a Student ID for
captive audience to whom we market welding education. 10% Discount!
There are several other groups that need to be targeted through Gases • Welding Supplies
proactive diversification efforts to include young adults in
dead-end jobs, recently discharged veterans and active Celebrating 93 Years In The Miami Valley
military, those with an interest in changing their careers,
and other adults who are seeking a second-chance at a life- Your Complete, One Stop
time career. And there is clearly not enough women in the
trade. Welding Supply Center

RElATIONSHIpS Six Locations to Serve You Better:

Who can best spread the word? Dayton Moraine Richmond, IN
324 E Second St 2865 Main St 5 East Main St
937-222-8312 937-299-9293 765-966-9353
The entire responsibility to fill the skills gap does not just
fall on the shoulders of those in education. While educators Piqua Springfield Fairfield
and admissions representatives are definitely one piece of the 8598 Industry Pk Dr 403 W Columbia Ave 3225 Profit Dr
puzzle, parents, guidance counselors, trade unions, job 937-778-9353 937-323-6408 513-874-9353
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industry can all play a role in “getting the word out” through Open 7:30 - 5:00 M-F & 8:00 - Noon Saturday
the use of job fairs, field trips, web-based communications, Can’t Come In? Call in your order and we
partnerships, and face-to-face conversations. will ship it UPS!
1-800-526-9353 or
www.weilerwelding.com

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