Renewed Focus on Trade Jobs: Shortage of Workers Looms as Baby Boomers Retire

By 2010, the American Welding Society predicts a possible shortage of more than 200,000 skilled welders and metal fabricators. That's because, as Baby Boomers transition out of trade professions such as welding, members of younger generations aren't picking up the slack. Not only do members of Generation

"I think you can say that the Baby Boomers retiring is going to have major impact on all trade unions," said Tim Baber, chair of College of the Canyons' Welding Technology Department.

To fill the void the Baby Boomers are leaving in the welding industry--in California the need for advanced metal fabrication is expected to grow by double digits through 2014--COC launched a metal fabrication program. Now, the school's Welding Technology Department has received a $300,000 grant from California Community College Economic and Workforce Development to develop a series of metal fabrication courses. With the additional funding, COC can expand its current welding technology program to include both an associate in science degree and certificate of achievement program in metal fabrication.

Focusing on the fabrication aspect of welding is of particular importance, according to Baber. "We've been training welders for 30 years in all sorts of industries--construction, aerospace, piping," he said. "We've really tried to spread our wings, so to speak, but one thing in common is the fact that welders not only weld but have to fabricate metal. In that exact area--metal fabrication--we've needed to create sub-departments."

Armed with the $300,000 grant, COC can purchase new equipment and supplies and expand curriculum development, faculty training and industry outreach efforts. Even before applying for the grant, COC has worked with local ironworker, pipe-fitter and steam-fitter unions about establishing apprenticeship programs for students. It has also developed a partnership with Spacetron Metal Bellows in Valencia.

"We're trying to put together an apprentice program (in which) we will be teaching how to become a certified aerospace welder, aerospace metal fabricator, aerospace inspector and aerospace machinist," Spacetron President Richard Montoya said.