"Welder wanted" signs abound in many areas of the U.S., and welding instructor Marty Rice believes there's never been a better time to pursue a welding career. How do you make your welding career the best it can be? Following certain guidelines can help.

As you steer your company through the recession, remember that at the end of the day, it really is all about the people. Making safety a priority, especially in tough times, can boost employee morale and increase productivity. A behavioral approach to safety that stresses positive reinforcement can achieve long-lasting safety goals.

Today's folding technology can help bring a new level of efficiency and capability to a metal forming operation. Among the enhancements in modern folding systems are increased automation and gauging capabilities and the ability to fold an even wider range of materials.

Welding jobs may not be as plentiful as they once were, but welding instructor Marty Rice believes a lot of welding work is "waiting to bust loose once the economy straightens out, and there's always work in welding, if you're willing to pack a suitcase." Rice has some advice for those embarking on a welding journey.

The welding industry is known for a persistent shortage of skilled workers, and the energy sector is no exception; meanwhile, offshore welding is getting more rigorous. The easiest-to-find oil sources were discovered long ago; with each passing year, energy companies go into harsher environments (deeper waters) to find petroleum and natural gas. Drilling into deeper waters means dealing with higher pressures and colder temperatures, and many companies have been switching too high-strength pipe, which tends to be more difficult to weld than common pipe.