The construction industry is growing every year. Over a 10-year period, from 2016 to 2026, the construction equipment industry is expected to grow a total of 12%. As the industry rises, there will be a growing need for skilled workers as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for welders, cutters, brazers, and solderers is on the rise, projected to reach 412,300 by the year 2024.
According to East African Business Week, there is a need for skilled international welders, as well.
A total of 220 students have attained internationally recognized certificates in vocational studies through the Youth Employment Enhancement Project (YEEP). Of the 220 students, 120 studied scaffolding erection and inspection, 50 were trained in welding, fabrication, and pipework, and 20 are artisans trained in 3G coded welding.
The training was held at the Vocational Training Center in Uganda and was supported by Skills for Eastern Africa Program in partnership with Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
“Equipping younger people with vocational skills can prepare them to become job creators, without vocational skills, majority of Ugandan youth may fail to penetrate into the job market the country’s oil and gas sector can offer in the Albertine region,” said Adrian Green, head of Growth and Economy at the British High Commission in Uganda.
The graduates are being encouraged to utilize they skills they have acquired to create careers for themselves throughout the private sector — all across the globe.
“The skills you have achieved through these trainings can support you to start up your own businesses,” added Reverand Fr. Joseph Bigirwa, director of the training center. “Currently there’s high demand for fabricated metallic doors and windows, venture into such businesses, this will help some of you to progress in future.”
Back in the states, students across the country have recently graduates from accelerated welding programs, setting them up for successful futures. But certain areas of the country still have a dire need for skilled welders.
According to Public Opinion, there are hundreds of good-paying jobs going unfilled across Franklin County because there aren’t enough trained workers to fill them, which is especially true for welders.
Thankfully, a new facility opened up with the goal of promoting welding as a profession, offering global opportunities to students hoping to pursue a career in welding and related work.
Phenomenal Industries offers a variety of training programs, allowing students to work throughout the U.S., as well as receive international certifications to work in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East. Additionally, the program helps students network and find work with local employers.
“Our goal is to get them trained and employed, because that’s what they need in the area,” said James Muto, of Phenomenal Industries.
The current starting rate for beginner welders is between $18 and $22 an hour, or more than $40,000 a year. From there, workers can increase their pay depending on their skill set and work ethic. Approximately 90% of the students who finish the training program at Phenomenal go into welding or additional training.
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