Welding industry: a state of flux

Welding Skills A State of Flux Shortfall The Office of National Statistics has said: Over the last five years 18,000 registered and certified welders have left the industry There are now only 58,000 welders left in the UK Leaving a gap of 25% NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNN The Association of Welding Distribution (AWD) says that 50,000 people need to start welder training at level I and 2 within the next 3-5 years, with a proportion progressing to level 3. Demand This includes 66 +E200bn With major build programmes rolling out in the renewable and sustainable energy markets expecting to make the UK self- sufficient for energy from 2020, which alone will require some 20,000 trained welders. Combined with the decline in the availability of existing welders, we will need at least another 38,000 to meet UK demand. investment .to counteract the declining workforce in the Nuclear Energy Industry and help meet the Government's energy plans 99 J+£250bn 37% UK engineering and science turnover British engineering exports amounts to of total UK exports of goods and services To educate and train a new generation of UK-based welders, the Weldability-Sif Foundation has entered into partnership with EAL and The Welding Institute (TWI) to install specialist welder training facilities. Plan for future The partnership has so far helped 15 colleges The Partnership, by supporting manufacturing with help in welder training, is providing opportunities for students of all ages to enter into a fulfilling and rewarding career The 7 EAL/Weldability-Sif Foundation, Welder Training Courses are: 600/2170/6, 600/2171/8, EAL Level I Award in Introductory Metal Inert Gas 600/1903/7, EAL Level I Award in Introductory Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Skills (QCF) EAL Level I Award in Introductory Welding Skills (QCF) Welding Skills (QCF) 600/2172/X, EAL Level I Award in Introductory Manual Metal 600/2173/1, 600/6003/7, EAL Level I Award in Introductory Oxy-Acetylene Welding Skills (QCF) EAL Level I Award in Introductory Brazing and Soldering Skills (QCF) Arc Welding Skills (QCF) 600/5801/8, EAL Level I Award in some qualified welders can earn as much as Introductory Thermal and Plasma Cutting Skills (QCF) £100k p.a. www.westermans.com Westermans International Sources: www.fbchain.com www.engineeringcapacity.com www.weldability-sif.com