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Celebrating National Welding Month: Why Martime Welding Matters Now More Than Ever
Welding is a versatile skill that is used in almost any industry imaginable so in honor of National Welding Month, we want to highlight one specific welding profession that is crucial to our nation’s security and economy.
Big changes are happening in the world of shipbuilding, especially for the U.S. Navy. With plans to upgrade its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, there’s a serious need for skilled tradespeople to get the job done. There is an estimated need of over 100,000 skilled workers in the next decade to help build three submarines a year and support the massive maintenance efforts that go along with that.
So, What is Maritime Welding?
Let’s break it down. “Maritime” just means anything related to the sea, so maritime welding is all about welding in the world of ships, boats, offshore rigs, and everything in between. These aren’t your everyday welding jobs. Whether you’re working on the coast at a naval shipyard or working high up on an oil platform, maritime welders are right where the action is. They’re trained to build and repair the metal structures that keep the whole operation afloat (literally.)
Why Does Maritime Welding Matter?
Maritime Welding is super important for a variety of reasons, including general safety and the structure of boats and ships being manufactured in the U.S., but also is important in the economy and national security!
As we mentioned earlier, the maritime welding and shipbuilding industry is expected to need over 100,000 skilled workers over the next ten years. That’s a massive demand, and it’s creating real opportunities. These jobs don’t just support the shipyards; they drive local economies, provide long-term careers, and help communities thrive by generating revenue and stability.
But most importantly, it matters for our National security. Maritime welding is at the center of our naval power. The U.S. Navy relies on a strong shipbuilding industry to maintain and grow its fleet, so it can operate around the world and respond to whatever challenges come our way. Without skilled welders and a reliable workforce, that entire system could slow down.
Bottom line: maritime welding keeps our economy moving, our communities strong, and our country secure. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in the future workforce and give this important skilled trade the spotlight it deserves.
HElping to Fuel the pipeline of workers
Backed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program (IBAS), we have the ability to help fuel the pipeline of future skilled trade professionals through competitions like Maritime Welding Competitions. Our goal with the Maritime Welding competition series is to engage high school students from across the country and not only challenge students to demonstrate their skills but also connect them with industry leaders and job opportunities in maritime trades. It’s a vital initiative that helps industry leaders identify talent early while giving students a head start toward a high-demand career.
Want to see one of our Maritime competitions in action? Watch the 2024 Maritime National Championship out on Youtube now! Last season, the top 3 welders from each of our Maritime Welding competitions were invited to compete in a National Maritime Competition. The stakes were high, but they rose to the challenge! In the end, the winner walked away with $10,000!
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