Overcoming the Shortage of Skilled Welders

Did you know that the average age of a UK welder is 55, and that by 2027, nearly half of them are expected to retire?

That’s an alarming statistic, highlighting a growing problem in an industry that remains vital to the UK’s infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors.

With demand for skilled welders continuing to rise, and fewer young people entering the profession, we are fast approaching a critical shortage.

In fact, the UK will need around 35,000 new welders by 2027, to keep up. But with apprenticeship starts in welding having dropped by 45% between 2015 and 2024, that pipeline of talent is shrinking, not growing. (World Skills UK)

So, what’s stopping the next generation from pursuing welding as a career?

Three Key Barriers Young People Face

There are undoubtedly multiple reasons, but here are three worth spotlighting:

• Lack of Exposure in Schools
  Many students are simply never introduced to welding as a potential career option. Without that early exposure, it’s hard for young people to see welding as something exciting or accessible.
• Misconceptions About the Trade
  Welding is often misunderstood as low-skilled, dirty, even dangerous work – perceptions that overlook the reality. Welding today is high-tech, certified, and full of opportunities for progression, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
• Gender Stereotypes
  Despite huge progress in promoting welding to women, it’s still commonly seen as a male-dominated trade. This perception can prevent girls and young women from exploring the field, even when they’re interested.

A Changing Landscape: The Rise of the Influencer

There is good news, though.

The face of welding is changing, and a big part of that change is happening online.

A growing community of young, diverse, tech-savvy welding influencers are showcasing their work on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, engaging audiences of all ages and making welding look cool.

At Rapid, we’ve seen this impact first-hand.

We’ve collaborated with some fantastic individuals, like https://www.instagram.com/mikalaeade and @amy_lynette_, two passionate welders sharing their journeys, projects, and tips with thousands of followers. Their content shows what welding really looks like today – that is, creative, precise, and empowered by technology.

And people are watching.

We’re also proud to support initiatives that bring welding directly to the next generation, like our work with Ruth Amos from Kids Invent Stuff.

Why Social Media Might Be Part of the Solution

There’s often criticism of social media, but in this context, it could be one of the most powerful tools we have to reshape how young people see welding.

Through online platforms, young audiences can now see:

• People like them welding, across ages, genders, and backgrounds
• Technology in action – from robotic welding to precision fabrication
• Creativity and entrepreneurship – not just industry work, but custom metalwork, art, and innovation
• Career paths – highlighting how training and certification lead to real, rewarding opportunities

Most importantly, it shows welding as inclusive, inspiring all and any young student to picture themselves with a torch in hand and a future in the trade.

Challenges That Still Need Solving

But social media alone won’t fix the industry’s deep-rooted challenges. The UK welding industry still faces several systemic barriers:

• Training and Apprenticeship Gaps
  With apprenticeship numbers falling sharply and financial barriers preventing companies from investing in training, many young people are left without accessible pathways into welding.
• Regional Disparities
  Areas like Scotland are struggling to fill up to 40% of welding vacancies, indicating that one-size-fits-all solutions won’t work. (Aluminium Today)
• Lack of Promotion
  A survey found that 80% of metalworkers feel that not enough is being done to promote welding careers to young people. We need coordinated campaigns and school partnerships to introduce welding to students earlier. (Aluminium Today)

What Needs to Happen Next

A multifaceted approach is essential to turn things around:

• Expand Apprenticeship Programs: Support accelerated training models like those at the London Welding Academy, where job placement is guaranteed.
• Modernise the Image of Welding: Use targeted marketing and social media to challenge outdated stereotypes and highlight exciting career opportunities.
• Fix Structural Barriers: Streamline training funding and simplify apprenticeship processes to make it easier for employers to hire and train young welders.
• Collaborate Across the Board: Schools, employers, government, and industry leaders working together to align training, outreach, and job opportunities.

The Future Is Bright – If We Act Now

The welding industry sits at a crossroads. With a retiring workforce, growing demand, and a dwindling supply of trained young welders, something has to change.

But we also have tools we’ve never had before. Social media is helping to reframe what welding looks like and who it’s for. Influencers, educators, and forward-thinking companies are showing young people that welding is more than just sparks and steel – it’s skill, creativity, and opportunity.

At Rapid, we’re proud to play a part in shaping the future of welding. From partnering with industry leaders to showcase the incredible work of today’s welders, we’re passionate about creating real impact.

That’s the driving force behind our Future Welders initiative – making welding more visible, accessible, and inspiring for young people across the UK.

We’re looking ahead, with plans to support virtual reality welding experiences at open days, giving young people the chance to explore welding in a fun, immersive, and relaxed environment.

By working directly with colleges, schools and training providers, we aim to make it easier for students to discover welding as a rewarding and accessible career path.

Because when welding is visible and accessible, the future of the industry gets a little brighter.

Discover more about Future Welders and our mission to inspire the next generation of welding talent.