The impact of the skilled worker shortage is well known—increased costs for products, delays in getting work done and increased pressures on workers and few industries can relate to this more than the welding and metal fabrication industry.
The American Welding Society reports a need for 90,000 new welders each year through 2027. The society also reports that of the 770,000 estimated workers in the industry,155,000 are approaching retirement age, meaning many more vacancies occurring soon.
Two Capital Region BOCES Welding & Metal Fabrication program prepares approximately 100 high school students and several more adult students each year to fill those jobs, giving them the skills they need to either directly enter the workforce or expand their skills in a college or trade school.
Bethlehem High School senior Alexis Wright said she enjoys preparing for her future at BOCES.
“Attending Capital Region BOCES is about learning real-world stuff; It’s about your future!” Wright said. “I like that the program is hands-on. I like working with my hands and learning new skills.”
Class of 2023 graduate Ethan Morrell put his skills to work in the industry even before graduating, starting work at MDRM Industries Inc in Schoharie.
“BOCES helped me by allowing me to be in the shop and work hard and hone my skills,” said the Schoharie High School Class of 2023 graduate.
Throughout October, Capital Region BOCES – in conjunction with its business and higher education partners – is celebrating national Careers in Construction Month by highlighting the multitude of careers and opportunities that exist in the industry and the effort BOCES undertakes to prepare students for those careers.
For more information on the Capital Region BOCES program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/welding-metal-fabrication/.