Students in Welding CTE Programs Poised to Close the Workforce Talent Gap

As the demand for skilled welders surges, Arizona’s high school welding programs are stepping up to meet the challenge. Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives are equipping students with essential skills for a booming industry. However, the key to bridging the workforce gap lies in increased internship opportunities provided by welding employers.

Statistics highlight a pressing need; the American Welding Society (AWS) indicates that over 400,000 welders will be needed in the U.S. by 2024, driven by retirements and industry growth. With 21% of current welders over 55, attracting younger talent is imperative. From 2024 to 2028, an estimated 82,000 welders will be necessary annually, particularly in manufacturing sectors thriving due to infrastructure projects. In Arizona, the projected employment growth for welders from 2022 to 2032 is an impressive 15.3%.

ElevateEdAZ, part of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, forges connections between students and real-world experiences through internships. These opportunities not only provide hands-on learning but also enhance technical skills and professional exposure. For instance, a senior at Peoria High School is honing advanced welding techniques with guidance from instructors, aiming for a career in the industry post-graduation.

As a proactive partner of ElevateEdAZ, All Things Metal (ATM) exemplifies success by offering paid, flexible internships to CTE students. Involving students in welding and CNC projects allows them to engage in meaningful work while accommodating their educational commitments. This approach equips students with valuable jobsite experience, setting them up for future advancement in welding careers.

Providing internships is strategically beneficial for employers. It fosters a robust industry community, enhances individual skill development, and improves retention rates as young workers benefit from mentorship at ATM. This collaborative environment is vital for shaping the industry’s future, one intern at a time.

Welding employers are encouraged to open their doors to young talent by collaborating with CTE programs and ElevateEdAZ to expand internship opportunities. Such initiatives are crucial in preparing the next generation of welders, securing a sustainable talent pipeline for a key sector in Arizona.

For Arizona businesses interested in collaborating with ElevateEdAZ, more information is available through their Business Partnerships Team at partnerships@elevateedaz.com.

Jennifer Mellor serves as the Chief Innovation Officer of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation.

Juliana Rock is the Culture and Administrative Assistant at All Things Metal.