April is National Welding Month
What is National Welding Month?
National Welding Month was created to bring attention to the importance of welding and how it affects our daily life.
Welders help to manufacture many of the key components that make up the essence of almost every industry. From shipyards, to automotive plants, to construction sites, and beyond, there are welders working hard everyday to create a variety of important products and critical structures that we often take for granted.
Welding is both an art, and a practiced skill, which requires a passion and eagerness to learn the trade. Unfortunately, welders don’t always get the attention and appreciation they deserve. After all, they work hard to achieve certifications, designations and levels of expertise that can only be accomplished with hard work and a strong dedication to the craft.
During the month of April, industries of all types come together to celebrate the skilled art of welding, and the powerful impact it has on our industrial nation. They do this through educating others about welding services, mentoring budding welders, and recognizing veteran welders in the field.
Why Should You Care?
National Welding Month brings about the opportunity to bring to light a serious deficit in a trade skill that our economy is highly dependent upon. It’s about spreading the message of the importance of welding, and encouraging new generations to choose this trade as a career. It’s about providing people with information about what welders do and how they impact different industries, in addition to career and mentor opportunities.
According to the American Welding Society, “by the year 2020, it is predicted that there will be shortage of over 200,000 skilled welding professionals.” If new generations aren’t taught about the importance of the welding trade, and opportunities available in the industry, the shortage could become much higher.
How To Participate
In addition to spreading information about welding technologies and showing appreciation for welding professionals, you can also do the following:
1. Welders – Become a Mentor.
Show a newbie the ropes, or better yet, show someone who has nothing to do with welding what you do, and how you do it. Getting people excited about learning the trade is great way to spread its importance and value.
2. Talk About the Value of Skilled Trades.
Talk to people about the value of skilled trade professions. Remind people how things are made that they use every day, like automobiles, medical devices, and airplanes.
3. Take Action.
To really cause a ripple effect in the industry, everyone has to participate in some way. Get others in the industry to help spread the word. Make a donation to a trade school or a scholarship organization that supports skilled trades. Let your legislators know how you feel. Inspire change in your local community, and beyond.
For additional information about how to get involved with National Welding Month, visit aws.org.
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