Welding should have a seat at the construction planning table
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Welding is critical to every construction site—but it’s often overlooked until problems arise. As National Welding Month wraps up, we spoke with Trish Fliss of the American Welding Society about why GCs and contractors should involve welding professionals earlier, the biggest challenges facing the industry and how technology is reshaping the trade. -Margot Lester
What's something you wish other contractors knew about welding?
Welding isn’t just about making things stick together—it’s about making sure they stay together. Though it plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity, welding can sometimes get overlooked during the early phases of a project. When contractors bring welding engineers and inspectors into the conversation early, it helps avoid surprises later on and usually makes for a smoother job all around. It helps identify potential issues with joint access, sequencing or material compatibility before they lead to rework or delays. From choosing the right metals, processes and positions to quality assessment and inspections, welding professionals bring a lot of technical know-how to the table.
What's the most pressing issue facing welding contractors right now?
Finding enough skilled welders to meet the growing demand. According to WeldingWorkforceData.com, an average of 80,000 new welding personnel are needed annually. As experienced professionals retire, finding new welders ready to strike an arc on day one is becoming more difficult. To address that challenge, AWS has a website dedicated to helping employers find qualified welders. And the AWS Foundation launched the Registered Apprenticeship Program that connects businesses and educators so students receive real-world, on-the-job training at an hourly rate while they learn. It's a win-win for the business and the apprentice.
Which technology are your members excited about?
Welding is no longer confined to what happens under the hood. It also happens behind a monitor or touchscreen. Welding automation continues to be a trending topic—not to replace welders, but to support them. From collaborative robots, called cobots, to AI-assisted inspection tools, these technologies can handle repetitive tasks and help improve quality and consistency. Automation is one practical way to meet demand and connect with tech-savvy younger generations. They grew up with phones, tablets and gaming consoles, so programming a cobot feels less like science fiction and more like second nature.
What's a construction trend you hope comes to an end this year?
The idea that welding can always be “figured out in the field." That mindset can lead to delays, rework and—worst case—compromised safety.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Bianca Prieto.
