In the intricate tapestry of the UK’s workforce, a noticeable gap is emerging—one that poses a significant challenge for the future of manufacturing. The shortage of skilled welders has become a pressing concern, casting a shadow on the robust machinery and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on this specialised skill set.

Welding, often overlooked but indispensable, forms the backbone of various industries. As the demand for precision engineering and metal fabrication rises, so does the need for adept welders. Unfortunately, the UK is experiencing a shortage that threatens to impede progress in the manufacturing realm.

Covid and Brexit have exacerbated a national skills shortage in the construction industry. The most recent Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasts that the construction industry may need an additional 225,000 workers by 2027. With many existing welders expected to retire by 2027, attracting new welding talent will be a critical part of the mix and central to filling the 36,000 new jobs that are expected.

In fact, the ageing workforce is a significant factor contributing to this shortfall. Skilled welders, often veterans in their field, are retiring without a sufficient influx of new talent to fill their shoes. The nature of welding demands a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, making it a craft that requires time to master. The shortage is exacerbated by a lack of comprehensive training programs and educational pathways that can channel aspiring individuals into the welding profession.

This scarcity has tangible consequences for the manufacturing landscape. Projects face delays, and businesses grapple with increased labour costs as they compete for the limited pool of skilled welders. Moreover, the lack of welding expertise can compromise the quality of finished products, affecting the overall competitiveness of UK manufacturing on the global stage.

The most recent Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasts that the construction industry may need an additional 225,000 workers by 2027. Welding alone faces a shortage of workers as 36,000 new jobs are expected to be created, with many welders retiring by 2027.
Attracting a diverse range of talent to the industry and working towards gender equality could help to fill this gap. However, according to research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), only 15% of workers in the sector are female. Here, we’ll look at how incentivising more women to join the welding sector could help…

Weld Australia has released the results of its 2023 Member Survey, which reveals the Federal Government must step in and provide real support to industry to make the renewable energy revolution a reality.
The results demonstrate that Australia’s welding and fabrication industry is facing a whole raft of challenges that will make the delivery of the Federal Government’s plans for a renewable energy revolution almost impossible—from severe labour shortages that are inhibiting the growth of the welding industry, through to rising material and labour costs.
When asked to select their top two factors, 60 per cent of survey respondents indicated that labour shortages are most likely to inhibit the growth of their business in 2023.
When asked what their main concern is right now, 45 per cent confirmed that labour shortages was on the top of their list. 50 per cent of Australia’s welding workshops are operating at 80 per cent of their capacity or below. When asked why this is, a lack of skilled workers was the overwhelming answer.
“With a considerable volume of work being onshored and a greater sentiment in the market to ‘buy local’, Australian fabrication companies are so strapped for skilled welders that they are operating well below capacity. They are being forced to turn down jobs because they simply don’t have the manpower to complete the work,” said Crittenden.
“How then, will Australian fabricators cope with the influx of work required to make the Federal Government’s renewable energy revolution reality?”
It is expected that over 11,000 wind towers will need to be produced, each requiring 500 tonnes of plate steel for onshore towers, or 750 tonnes for offshore wind towers.
To connect all this new generation to consumers, AEMO estimates more than 10,000km of new transmission lines and 25,000 transmission towers (at 30 to 60 tonnes of steel per tower) will need to be constructed.
“All this the renewable energy infrastructure will require a veritable army of skilled workers, including welders,” said Crittenden. “Australia will have a shortfall of at least 70,000 welders by 2030.”
And yet, 45 per cent of survey respondents (compared to 47 per cent in 2022) already have a pipeline of work that extends for six months or longer—this protracted pipeline is necessary in the face of ongoing skills shortage
(c) Manufacturer’s Monthly

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