Going back to school to learn a new skill or trade – such as welding – has been a popular choice for many during these tough economic times, but a recent report in the New York Times casts some doubt on whether new graduates will be able to find work in their chosen field.
According to the article, employers are desperately in need of welders with very advanced skills, such as laying a flawless TIG weld on oil piping, but they are not looking for basic-level skills. Those with the advanced skills, however, are able to demand top wages and where they want to work.
“If you don’t hire in a day or two, the ones that can (lay an x-ray quality TIG weld on pipe), they are out the door and working for another company,” said a manager for an oil refinery contractor in Maine.
Part of the reason that employers are having such a hard time finding highly skilled tradesmen, according to the article, is that so many talented high school students are being encouraged to pursue bachelor’s degrees at traditional universities.
For those with basic- to intermediate-level skills, this presents a chicken-or-the-egg situation in which they need the work to increase their skills, but they can’t find a job unless they already have the skills.
Many companies maintain their own welder training programs, where they hire new welders with very little or no experience, but a good attitude, and they teach them the skills they need. These programs involve a significant investment from the employer that they might not be able to afford in this economic environment.
What has been your experience finding a welding job or hiring skilled welders? Are most of the job openings only available for advanced-level welders? If you’re a hiring manager, are you able to find welders with the skills that you need? Share your thoughts on this subject by posting a comment below.
