Introduction
According to a recent survey, in the UK, fewer than 20% of current welders are under the age of 35. The welding industry is currently at a pivotal crossroads. Attracting a younger tech-savvy generation of male and females into the industry is a must, but it is not easy. To help your business attract new welding talent, the RentArc team have put together some actionable strategies you can implement today. We are confident that amongst these 8 tips, you’ll find the approach that is right for you to ensure the future of welding remains bright and innovative.
1. Look at modernising the image of Welding
The perception of welding as a physically demanding and outdated trade needs to evolve. Welding nowadays is a high-tech career involving cutting-edge tools like robotics, augmented reality (AR) simulators, and automated systems. Promoting welding as a field of innovation will appeal to a generation drawn to technology-driven industries.
2. Partner with Educational Institutions
One of the most effective ways to introduce young people to welding is by collaborating with schools, colleges and vocational training centres. Offer apprenticeships, work placements, host workshops and industry open days, and provide hands-on training opportunities. These initiatives and opportunities can spark interest and help students see welding as a viable and rewarding career path.
3. Harness the Power of Social Media Platforms
Social media can be the ideal medium to reach younger audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are ideal for sharing engaging content with the younger generation.
Create Day-in-the-life Videos - showcase the variety and excitement of welding projects.
Partner with Innovative Industry Experts - create content with welding industry experts, someone who’s a hobbyist and has a love for welding i.e. Mikala Eade Metalwork @mikalaeademetalwork
Promote Success Stories – shine a light on young welders thriving in their careers
Tips and Tutorials – share advice and guidance around welding techniques. Create relatable and visually appealing content, that can inspire a new generation to explore welding.
4. Emphasise Career Growth and Financial Stability
Target the younger generation with how a career in welding offers stability and growth. Highlight the strong demand for skilled welders, competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. Share stories of welders who have progressed along an inspiring and financially rewarding career pathway.
5. Showcase Sustainability in Welding
Broaden the appeal of welding by promoting diversity and gender growth within the industry. Highlight programs and success stories within your business that showcase welding as an inclusive and welcoming career. Publicly celebrate successes in welding, host welding competitions, feature standout projects on your website and create recognition programs.
6. Welding is inclusive
An advanced welder is not only skillful in technique but also prioritizes safety and efficiency. By developing a habit of double-checking safety gear, adhering to workplace safety protocols, and focusing on efficiency, you can make yourself an asset on any site. Employers are more likely to rely on welders who demonstrate attention to safety and efficient work habits. All of our equipment is designed with safety in mind, so investing time to understand and practice with high-quality tools can further elevate your credibility and commitment to safe, efficient practices.
7. Highlight Flexible Career Opportunities and Advanced Training Programs
Welding offers a varied career path, spanning a plethora of different industries. Emphasise the flexibility and diversity of opportunities. Share the opportunity to travel for work on global projects or specialise in niche areas like underwater or laser welding. Highlight the advancement of training programs and the innovative training tools that are being used to make learning more engaging and interactive for up-and-coming welders.
7. Leverage Role Models
Young people are often inspired by relatable success stories. Showcase young welders who are thriving in the industry as ambassadors. Their stories can help create excitement around a career in welding and inspire the next generation of welders.
Conclusion
Attracting a new generation of welders requires innovation, inclusivity and thinking differently. What might have worked in the past with previous generations won’t cut it today. By modernising perceptions, leveraging technology and creating opportunities for growth, businesses like yours, and the welding industry as a whole, can attract the new blood it needs to keep the sector thriving.
Is renting your welding equipment right for you? To find out, contact the RentArc team today.
Call us on +44 (0)23 80 867 789 or email at info@rentarc.com.