Skilled Labor: The Backbone of Building America

Skilled labor has always been the foundation of America’s growth. From bridges and power plants to factories and hospitals, the nation’s infrastructure has been built and maintained by highly trained tradespeople. The technical trade careers in highest demand include welders, heavy equipment operators, diesel mechanics, millwrights, HVAC technicians, and electricians. These professions are foundational to nearly every major construction project in today’s marketplace. 

The Growing Demand for Welders

According to the American Welding Society (AWS), the United States will need 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029. Welding is a skilled trade that supports every industry, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, military, oil and gas, automobile, steel construction, food and beverages, and medical/pharmaceutical.

Workers Needed

A large portion of the current construction workforce, particularly Baby Boomers, is retiring faster than anyone imagined. The COVID-19 pandemic years also contributed to accelerated retirement decisions among welders.

The education system has traditionally emphasized four-year college pathways rather than vocational careers. While graduation rates remain high, first-year college students can drop out for various reasons. I have had the privilege of traveling across the country, visiting campuses, and meeting many bright students about their career aspirations. For those who changed career paths, it was not an easy decision; many have cited financial strain and mental health challenges, while others stated they didn’t see a future in the program they chose. I spoke with young welders who later realized they enjoy working with their hands and wish they had explored skilled trades earlier.

Deciding on a Path

Federal assistance to schools for trade education began with the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. Over the years, it has expanded into broader career and technical education (CTE) programs. However, these programs did not always align with industry needs and lacked the collaborative support from the education system, families, and employers.

The traditional educational system pushed students to pursue college as the primary path. Many entered college unsure of their journey, changed majors multiple times, or left school altogether. These are not easy decisions and can hurt a student’s future. 

Today, even college graduates struggle to find well-paying jobs and often leave with massive student loan debt. By contrast, a high school graduate pursuing a career in welding can earn close to $100,000 without taking on college loans, which is a huge draw for career-ready students. For students who enjoy working with their hands, skilled trades offer financial security, career flexibility, and the option to pursue higher education later on their own terms. 

Excitement with Collaboration Opportunities

Today, many schools offer CTE programs to prepare students for engineering, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, IT, and business. Many schools are now collaborating with industry leaders and offering career-ready pathways. They have helped transform the philosophy of education, pushing schools to value practical skills, diverse career pathways, collaboration with industry, and a rethink of what success looks like for young students. 

AWS is collaborating with schools and community colleges and encouraging them to have Student Sections, as well as helping them become AWS Accredited Test Facilities. Local AWS Sections have helped raise scholarship funds to help students succeed in the welding industry. They also offer opportunities for career advancement.

In collaboration with AWS, many private organizations are creating more career pathways for welders who can ultimately become successful leaders in their organizations. Private organizations are also investing in students' future by establishing welding academies. One example is the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction, developed in partnership with the Academies of Central Arkansas and Ford Next Generation Learning, which was established at Mills University Studies High School. This move has enabled students to earn hands-on training and certification in various welding processes before they graduate. Similar partnerships are being established in several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida.

In addition, AWS has been at the forefront of attracting young talent. SkillsUSA and the AWS Careers in Welding Mobile Experience, in collaboration with private organizations, also create exciting welding contests nationwide. As another example, the Steel Day celebration at Lexicon attracts more than 200 students from multiple high schools and a community college to participate in different welding challenges.

The Future Is Bright 

This is an exciting time for the welding industry. There is renewed commitment and energy to close the skilled labor gap to meet future welder needs. Through private and public partnerships, along with industry collaboration, a new generation of welders and builders is being fostered, connecting education, training, and community in building America. 

Welding itself offers a powerful picture of all that’s possible. From a personal perspective, I developed an interest in welding at 17. It has given me opportunities to travel the world, make great connections, and grow a successful, professional career. A career in welding offers countless opportunities and even opens the door to other paths afterward. You could be a supervisor, manager, or senior executive; the options are endless. 

Skilled trades don’t just build structures; they can build a life you can be proud of. With encouragement from parents, teachers, mentors, and friends cheering you on, you can build a meaningful, successful career. The future is bright! 

This article was written by Viji Kuruvilla (vice president of quality at Lexicon, Inc., Little Rock, Ark., and AWS District 17 director) for the American Welding Society. The photos in this article are courtesy of Lexicon.