Jim's Cover Pass: A look ahead in the welding industry

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In my last column, I revealed one of the most interesting and frequently asked questions I receive. As for the second most frequently asked question I receive: What do you see for the future of the welding industry?

This is a tough one. None of us has a crystal ball that lets us see into the future. However, there are a few things on the horizon that may cause some major changes in our industry.

The first is education. After many years of talking about it, I think we are starting to make some headway in career and technical education becoming an acceptable alternative to the four-year university track. With continued emphasis on this in the secondary schools and a deeper understanding of the career potential by both counselors and parents, we could see growth in the potential workforce.

In this same manner, the welding industry as a whole should see a major increase in earning potential. The mindset of industry management that anybody can be a welder, with wages only slightly higher than general laborers, will need to change. The welder shortage is not always for lack of qualified workers but more often about an acceptable salary for those with qualifications.

The second is equipment improvements. The latest development and integration of cobots for increased ease and consistency of quality welded products will play a major role in industry over the next decade. Other marketplace developments that should have an impact include items like hand-held laser welders, battery-powered portable welding power sources, the continued refinement of GMAW pulse waveforms and inverter power sources, and intuitive welding systems that use feedback to create the most consistent weld bead possible.

I took over this column in January 2018 from Paul Cameron, attempting to give some insight into the industry that has provided me with a great career for almost 50 years. I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts with the welding community over the past several years. But beginning next issue, this great magazine will have a new author for this column. I am leaving the column in the capable hands of a longtime friend and educator. I look forward to reading his contribution in upcoming issues.

Thanks for following along the last five years!