First of all, lets address the spelling of weldor. The convention used to be the person performing a welding operation was a weldor and the machine used to perform the operation a welder. After writing that sentence, the spell check is telling me that I have misspelled weldor and as a welding teacher, people question my effectiveness if I can't even spell the word I'm training people to become. So now I pretty much grudgingly go along and spell both the person and the machine welder. I really prefer the old way, however. Now to the subject at hand.
I received my new Practical Welding Today magazine the other day and once again the need for welders was brought to the attention of the readership. In the supplement, Associate Editor Amanda Carlson introduces the subject of our crumbling infrastructure and the role welding will play in the repair and replacement. She cites the Bureau of Transportation Statistics report that of the 597,876 bridges in the U.S., 12 % are considered structurally deficient and 13% are functionally obsolete. That's a comforting thought, yes? She also cites the American Welding Society statement that by the year 2010 the demand for welders will exceed supply by more than 200,000. Also in the back of the magazine is a want ad looking for TIG welders to join stainless tubing. Starting wages $27.00/hour plus benefits. The same company is also looking for an automation/robotics technician. Salary negotiable.
So in a year and a half if we haven't all fallen off a bridge, we'll be crying for skilled people in the welding field to the tune of 200,00 people. The skills to weld stainless tubing, heavy structural or program a welding robot are not the same. That's the beauty of the welding field, however. There's something for everyone. We just need to convince the young people that now is a really good time to pursue a rewarding career in welding.
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