What do I want to be when I grow up? According to a recent study, this is a question we ask ourselves not only as we graduate from high school, but also as we progress in our careers as adults. The study found one of the biggest challenges for career decisions regardless of age, is a lack of knowledge about career choices. We need access to good career information to help direct us to suitable paths. When this information is available, suddenly a career someone might never have considered becomes a very real opportunity. One of those roles is that of a welder. (1, 2)
The World Needs Welders
Welding has become such a high-demand career that companies in need of welders are heading to the source to recruit students in welding programs. At Hillsborough Community College (HHC) in Tampa this is a common occurrence. (2)
“By the year 2024, we’ll be over 400,000 shortage of welders in the United States,” says Randy Kelley of Tampa Tank Inc. “One of the things that’s been really big in the welding industry is the introduction of robotics.” (2)
Educators Must Keep Up With Technology
Because of the evolving nature of many jobs, it’s not just recruiters who need to become more proactive in their approach. Educators must remain aware of leading-edge advancements, so they are able to better prepare their students for the real world. (2)
At HCC, they are keeping up with demand by including advances in technology in their curriculum. They have a clear understanding that the role is changing and continue to update their courses to meet the demands of the industry. According to Lead welding instructor Logan Harry, the welders of today need to be prepared to use technology on the job. (2)
“We are buying new equipment. The industry is telling us the need and then we are providing the student with that ability,” he says. (2)
Meeting Industry Demands
It’s all about hands-on training that gives students access and knowledge about the tools they will be expected to use. According to student Samuel Serrano, that is hard to find in the classrooms of today, but available at HHC. “We even have a submerged arc welder that we’ve learned on, which is a semi-automated process that a lot of technical schools don’t even touch on,” he says. (2)
Hands-On Training
Technology is affecting all aspects of the workplace regardless of the job role. The skills required in many trades are far more advanced than before, combining technology with hands-on know-how. “Maybe back in the day it was a possibility, but now everything is electrical. Everything is computer-based now,” says Diesel technician student Bianca Melendez. (2)
Intense Market For Technology
“Right now, it’s just this super-intense job market for technology,” says Michael Clemens of Robert Half Recruiting. “Employers who are moving quickly on hiring decisions are reaping the benefit of getting the top talent in our community.” (2)
If you want a successful, fulfilling career don’t rule out the trades. Options are opening up with many lucrative, high placement careers, with HHC reporting 80% placement for their welders and 100% for the diesel tech program. So, hold onto your hard hats, everybody! (2)
