The UK is currently facing a significant shortage of skilled welders, a challenge that has far-reaching implications for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.
This shortage is driven by an aging workforce with many experienced welders expected to retire by 2027 creating over 35,000 jobs according to Axiom Personnel. The problem is coupled with a relative lack of younger people entering the profession to fill the gap. The result is a growing skills gap that threatens the efficiency and productivity of critical infrastructure projects.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for the welding profession in the UK is both challenging and promising. On one hand, the demand for skilled welders is expected to continue to rise, driven by ongoing and upcoming infrastructure and construction projects, advancements in technology, and the need for maintenance and repair of existing structures. On the other hand, without a concerted effort to attract and train new talent, the skills shortage could worsen, leading to delays and increased costs for projects.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Addressing the welding skills shortage requires a multifaceted approach, with a key focus on inspiring young people to consider welding as a viable and rewarding career path. This can be achieved through:
- Education and awareness: Schools and colleges should incorporate welding and other vocational training into their curricula, highlighting the importance and opportunities within the trade. Career fairs, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations can also play a crucial role in sparking interest.
- Apprenticeships and training programmes: Expanding apprenticeship programmes and providing accessible training opportunities can help bridge the skills gap. Partnerships between industry and educational institutions can ensure that training programs are aligned with current industry needs.
- Promoting the profession: A lack of information about welding as a career option as well as changing the perception of welding from a “dirty job” to a high-tech, skilled profession is essential. Showcasing success stories and the potential for career advancement can attract more young people to the field.
However, the skills gap is more than just providing training and apprenticeships, it’s about engaging young people and enabling them to achieve excellence in their chosen career as well as raising the profile of vital skills such as welding.
This is where the fantastic initiative by WorldSkills UK with their national programme of competitions truly shines. For over 20 years, Air Products, a global leader in industrial gas serving various industries including metal fabrication, has proudly sponsored the Welding Competition.
Photo on the right: Zac Winn, 2024 Gold Medallist, and Graham Leigh, Industrial Gases UK&I Maintenance Manager at Air Products
Alison Smith, Marketing Manager UKI of Air Products commented “We are delighted to sponsor the WorldSkills UK Welding Competition once again this year. We are proud that our partnership with WorldSkills UK allows us to play an active role in inspiring the next generation and helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled welders ensuring the sustainability and growth of our nation’s industries.”
Presenting last year’s winner of the Welding Competition, Zachariah Winn of Coleg Cambria, with his gold medal was Graham Leigh, Air Products UK Maintenance Manager. Graham likened the WorldSkills competition to “the technical equivalent of the Olympics Games” and went on to describe the initiative. “It really celebrates apprenticeships and highlights that the university route isn’t the only option to create a full and prosperous career. It is an organisation which deserves greater media coverage and support to really drive the importance of having apprenticeships and creating the skilled workforce we need”.
Photo on the left: The ten finalists of WorldSkills UK Welding Competition pictured with Ali Smith and Jo Price from Air Products UKI Marketing
Registration for the WorldSkills UK National Competition is currently open until 28 March 2025. Register here.
Find out more about Air Products here
