The American Welding Society marks April as the National Welding Month to recognize the industry and its workers that have kept the country moving forward. Did you know that good welding is invisible 99% of the time? It’s only noticed when something goes wrong and that’s outrageously unfair.
Throughout this month, the American Welding Society raises awareness about the shortage of trade skills in the welding industry and its career paths, and celebrates the work of the welders who have delivered non-stop quality and built the world we live in, for centuries.
History of National Welding Month
Welding is a part of everything around us; buildings, machines, cars, jewelry, bridges, and anything that involves fusing two metals that have been fused. The American Welding Society although first established National Welding Month in 1996 but the history of welding itself traces back to the Bronze age when man used to heat metal. Metals to be welded were heated until they would glow, then they would mash the two pieces of metal together, hammer it, and allow the new shaped-metal to cool down.
It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that electric welding techniques were invented. Fast forward to World War II, welding activities soared high due to an increase in demand for welded armaments. The more arms the country could produce, the higher were the chances of winning the war. As a result, from the 1950s to the 1960s, the welding sector witnessed brilliant improvements. Advanced welding techniques such as friction welding, electro-slag welding, electron beam welding, and laser welding were introduced, to name a few.
Today, the welding industry constitutes more than 57% of the United States’ total GDP. National Welding Month, therefore, celebrates the historical impact of welding on our lives, promotes the skill, and encourages the youth to avail the ever-booming scope of the welding profession. The first National Welding Month by the American Welding Society featured giveaways of 500 AWS hats to the first 500 applicants. With an open house, informational sessions, and social media campaign, National Welding Month celebrates welders of the past and present and seeks for the future ones.
National Welding Month timeline
British chemist, Edmund Davy, discovers acetylene welding.
The Russian engineer, Nikolay Bernados, modernizes the process of traditional arc welding.
C.L Coffin receives the U.S patent for a welding procedure known as the metal electrode welding process.
The non-profit organization is founded supporting advancement in the application of the welding profession and advocating for the cause throughout the world.
National Welding Month FAQs
Is opting for the welding profession worth it?
The U.S is estimated to suffer a shortage of 400,000 welders by 2024, meaning there are plenty of employment opportunities available.
What qualification is required to become a welder?
The basic qualification required is a high school diploma or GED, after which you can earn certificates to learn the skill and qualify for higher positions gradually.
Is welding a good career?
Welding will always remain a hot career due to development in infrastructure and ever-evolving technology.
How To Observe National Welding Month
Learn about welding as a choice for a career
If you’re looking for a switch in career or contemplating your choices, know that welding is reportedly one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. Utilize this April to top up your knowledge about welding as a career choice. It has a bright future ahead, thanks to the ever-evolving technologies, and is famous for a higher-than-average starting remuneration.
Join a training/internship program
Take the leap and learn one of the most lucrative trade skills this month. Or even better, join one of the training centers in your neighborhood to get enrolled in the welding-skill program.
Gift welders around you
There’s always a handful of welders in every neighborhood. If you have friends and family who are welders, get them one of the badass gifts because they truly deserve it!
5 Facts About Welding That Will Blow Your Mind
Fastest welded ship
The fastest welded ship was during WWII, constructed in 4 days and 15 hours by SS Robert E. Peary in 1942.
You can weld in space too
Back in 1969, it was successfully tested that welding can be carried out in the depressurized environment as well.
Cold Welding
Space welding was successful because of a phenomenon called ‘cold welding.’ When two pieces of metals touch, they instantly get welded together due to the absence of a layer of oxidation in space.
The U.S. needs welders – fast!
According to research, the United States is expected to require 372,664 welding professionals by 2026. Take the hint?
Welding is one of the highest-paying jobs
A welding professional can make as much as a doctor or a lawyer (sometimes more), without a college degree!
Why National Welding Month Is Important
The welding industry is facing a shortage of workers
According to the American Welding Society (AWS), the welding industry worth more than $5.5 billion is experiencing a serious skills shortage that is expected to increase with every passing year.
It has a bright future for the young
Known as one of the fastest-growing professions in America, the welding industry is underappreciated for its competitive advantages including job opportunities and remunerations.
Welding makes up 50% of our world
The welding profession and the welders, both are unfairly under-recognized in today’s world. National Welding Month brings the hard work of our welders into the spotlight.
National Welding Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
