{"id":2184,"date":"2025-10-03T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rapidwelding.com\/blog\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2025-09-29T12:51:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T12:51:40","slug":"overcoming-the-shortage-of-skilled-welders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rapidwelding.com\/blog\/articles\/overcoming-the-shortage-of-skilled-welders\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming the Shortage of Skilled Welders"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_eba72c-af\">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?<br><br>That\u2019s an alarming statistic, highlighting a growing problem in an industry that remains vital to the UK\u2019s infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors.<br><br>With demand for skilled welders continuing to rise, and fewer young people entering the profession, we are fast approaching a critical shortage.<br><br>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. <em>(<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldskillsuk.org\/blog\/welding-skills-shortage\/\"><em>World Skills UK<\/em><\/a><em>)<\/em><br><br>So, what\u2019s stopping the next generation from pursuing welding as a career?<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_2896ac-82\"><strong>Three Key Barriers Young People Face<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_31f3d6-63\">There are undoubtedly multiple reasons, but here are three worth spotlighting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Lack of Exposure in Schools<\/em><br>Many students are simply never introduced to welding as a potential career option. Without that early exposure, it\u2019s hard for young people to see welding as something exciting or accessible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Misconceptions About the Trade<\/em><br>Welding is often misunderstood as low-skilled, dirty, even dangerous work &#8211; perceptions that overlook the reality. Welding today is high-tech, certified, and full of opportunities for progression, creativity, and entrepreneurship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Gender Stereotypes<\/em><br>Despite huge progress in promoting welding to women, it\u2019s still commonly seen as a male-dominated trade. This perception can prevent girls and young women from exploring the field, even when they\u2019re interested.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_8012ec-d8\"><strong>A Changing Landscape: The Rise of the Influencer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_fc4c33-98\">There is good news, though.<br><br>The face of welding is changing, and a big part of that change is happening online.<br><br>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 <em>look cool<\/em>.<br><br>At Rapid, we\u2019ve seen this impact first-hand.<br><br>We&#8217;ve collaborated with some fantastic individuals, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mikalaeade\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mikalaeade<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/amy_lynette__\">@amy_lynette_<\/a>, two passionate welders sharing their journeys, projects, and tips with thousands of followers. Their content shows what welding really looks like today &#8211; that is, creative, precise, and empowered by technology.<br><br>And people are watching.<br><br>We&#8217;re also proud to support initiatives that bring welding directly to the next generation, like our work with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CxCcFy4M_Zc&amp;feature=youtu.be\">Ruth Amos from Kids Invent Stuff<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_1756f5-34\"><strong>Why Social Media Might Be Part of the Solution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_ed45de-47\">There\u2019s 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.<br><br>Through online platforms, young audiences can now see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>People like them welding, across ages, genders, and backgrounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology in action &#8211; from robotic welding to precision fabrication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creativity and entrepreneurship &#8211; not just industry work, but custom metalwork, art, and innovation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Career paths &#8211; highlighting how training and certification lead to real, rewarding opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_7910ba-ee\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_afe663-27, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_afe663-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_afe663-27\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_afe663-27 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_afe663-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_afe663-27\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_afe663-27 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_afe663-27\"><strong>Challenges That Still Need Solving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_993e42-7f\">But social media alone won\u2019t fix the industry\u2019s deep-rooted challenges. The UK welding industry still faces several systemic barriers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Training and Apprenticeship Gaps<br>With apprenticeship numbers falling sharply and financial barriers preventing companies from investing in training, many young people are left without accessible pathways into welding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional Disparities<br>Areas like Scotland are struggling to fill up to 40% of welding vacancies, indicating that one-size-fits-all solutions won\u2019t work. <em>(<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiumtoday.com\/news\/80-of-metalworkers-believe-not-enough-is-being-done-to-encourage-young-people-to-take-up-a-career-in-the-sector?\"><em>Aluminium Today<\/em><\/a><em>)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of Promotion<br>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. <em>(<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiumtoday.com\/news\/80-of-metalworkers-believe-not-enough-is-being-done-to-encourage-young-people-to-take-up-a-career-in-the-sector?\"><em>Aluminium Today<\/em><\/a><em>)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b28d1a-3a\"><strong>What Needs to Happen Next<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_4abf01-81\">A multifaceted approach is essential to turn things around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Expand Apprenticeship Programs:<\/em> Support accelerated training models like those at the London Welding Academy, where job placement is guaranteed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Modernise the Image of Welding:<\/em> Use targeted marketing and social media to challenge outdated stereotypes and highlight exciting career opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Fix Structural Barriers:<\/em> Streamline training funding and simplify apprenticeship processes to make it easier for employers to hire and train young welders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Collaborate Across the Board<\/em>: Schools, employers, government, and industry leaders working together to align training, outreach, and job opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_b001a5-8e\"><strong>The Future Is Bright &#8211; If We Act Now<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2184_253b3b-38\">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.<br><br>But we also have tools we\u2019ve never had before. Social media is helping to reframe what welding looks like and who it\u2019s for. Influencers, educators, and forward-thinking companies are showing young people that welding is more than just sparks and steel &#8211; it&#8217;s skill, creativity, and opportunity.<br><br>At Rapid, we\u2019re proud to play a part in shaping the future of welding. From partnering with industry leaders to showcase the incredible work of today\u2019s welders, we\u2019re passionate about creating real impact.<br><br>That\u2019s the driving force behind our <a href=\"https:\/\/rapidwelding.com\/blog\/articles\/future-welders-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-welding-talent\/\"><strong>Future Welders<\/strong><\/a> initiative &#8211; making welding more visible, accessible, and inspiring for young people across the UK.<br><br>We&#8217;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.<br><br>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.<br><br>Because when welding is visible and accessible, the future of the industry gets a little brighter.<br><br>Discover more about Future Welders and our mission to inspire the next generation of welding talent.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns2184_3a91d8-68{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns2184_3a91d8-68 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns2184_3a91d8-68\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn2184_f54327-e1.kb-button{width:initial;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-btn2184_f54327-e1.kb-button .kb-svg-icon-wrap{display:block;}}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn2184_f54327-e1 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/rapidwelding.com\/blog\/articles\/future-welders-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-welding-talent\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Read Blog<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s an alarming statistic, highlighting a growing problem in an industry that remains vital to the UK\u2019s infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors. With demand&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,707],"tags":[741,819,818,820,821],"class_list":["post-2184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-blog-2025","tag-e2025","tag-shortage","tag-skilled-welders","tag-social-media","tag-training-and-apprenticeships"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Overcoming the Shortage of Skilled Welders - Rapid Welding Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rapidwelding.com\/blog\/articles\/overcoming-the-shortage-of-skilled-welders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Overcoming the Shortage of Skilled Welders - Rapid Welding Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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? 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