5 Unique Facts About a Career in Welding

The welding profession has been around for centuries. In fact, there's evidence of welding in the Ancient Tombs built by the Egyptians. In those thousands of years, the job of a welder has constantly changed, as new materials and techniques have come to light.

But one thing that has remained constant is the need for welding. In fact, more than half of all U.S. products rely on welding in order to be ready for mass consumption. With that type of need, it's clear that a career in welding is a viable choice for many men and women entering the workforce.

Here are a few other interesting facts about welding you might not know, but could help you decide whether this is the right career for you.

1. Due to a growing need, the Boy Scouts created a welding merit badge

In a 2012 article, Ernest Scheyder of Reuters reported that by 2019, more than 140,000 new welders will be needed to replace retirees and to meet a rising demand. To help stimulate interest in this field, the Boy Scouts of America created a welding badge and, after first launching this merit badge opportunity, quickly ran out of the first printing of 11,000 welding training manuals.

In other words, the next generation of workers are being introduced to welding at an early age, and discovering that the work involved with welding can be rewarding.

2. Current welders are aging fast!

Back in 2007, the American Welding Society published a press release that revealed just how much of a need there'll be in the future for younger welders. "According to AWS and other industry research, the average age of a welder is in the mid-fifties, with many approaching 60 years old," the PR reported.

The PR went on to say that by 2010 (that's seven years ago) there'd be a potential shortage of 200,000 skilled welders in the workforce. Fast-forward to today, and we see evidence of this shortage, as graduates of our own welding program rarely struggle to find career opportunities.

3. Future welders can directly address a growing concern by manufacturing companies

A poll conducted by Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Manufacturing Institute in 2015 revealed that as much as 84% of manufacturing executives are aware that there is a talent shortage in US manufacturing.

What's this mean? Simply put, those men and women entering the workforce with hands-on training in skilled labor fields such as welding stand a good chance of excelling, fast, in their careers.

4. Welding can take you to faraway places (if you want)

You might have your own vision of what type of career a welder would have. However, "welding" is a pretty broad term. Remember, an overwhelming number of US products require welding, meaning the job of a welder can vary greatly.

For example, NASA needs welders to create fast, light and durable space vehicles. NASCAR relies on welders to keep their cars on the track. There's also a tremendous need for welders who like life under the sea. Underwater welders need to be certified divers as well; however, this highly specialized field is one of the most rewarding careers welders can pursue.

5. Welders don't need to spend as much time - or money - to start their careers

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a welder in the U.S. is $36,000, although with growing demand due to an increase in infrastructure projects, coupled with a lack of skilled labors to choose from, that figure is sure to rise.

Regardless, in May, 2017, StudentLoanHero.com reported that the "Class of 2016" graduates from a 4-year college with an average student loan debt of $37,172.

Not only that, but these students had to wait four years to launch their careers, while welders can begin their careers after just seven months of education, without accruing massive debt.

In other words, even if a welder, on average, makes less than someone with a job that required a 4-year degree, that welder gets to keep more of his or her salary, rather than part ways with it to cover a staggering monthly student loan bill.

Want to learn more about a career in welding?

Contact Compass Career College today to learn more about our various programs and how we can help you build a rewarding career in one of the most exciting, and fasting growing, fields in the country.