As a result, there is a shortage of acetylene gas in the United States and Canada. In March 2011, an explosion rocked the Carbide plant in Kentucky. Welders are increasingly having to turn to other sources for their fuel gas, such as propane. What acetylene remains on the market has climbed greatly in price and many smaller welding facilities are not able to pay that price. Another challenge welders face is that companies that refill the acetylene cylinders have put a limit on how many times a cylinder can be filled. Many companies are not accepting new customers. This is. MORE >>

Picture Credit: United States Marine Corps Official Page via Flickr Special News Welding mentors help people succeed When two seasoned welders met a couple of years ago, they wanted to find a way to help other people interested in the industry learn the skills. Roundup regulars will notice the newest edition to our weekly news report: welding health. Articles related to welding health issues and solutions will go in this section of the roundup. Welding health aside, be sure to check out the latest welding events, welding jobs and much more in this edition of the “Weekly Roundup.” MORE >>

The United States Department of Labor states, “Job prospects should be good for skilled welders because employers are reporting difficulty finding enough qualified people.” Currently there are over 30,000 welding positions available on careerbuilder.com. Over 400,000 people are currently employed as welders in the US. When choosing a career there is much to consider. You may wonder if increased automation will eliminate welding as a career. You want to know about the job outlook, working environment, wages, and opportunities for advancement. MORE >>

Seminar participants can also take a tour of Lincoln Electric’s “state-of-the-art” manufacturing facilities. Clair Ave Cleveland, OH 44117 UNITED STATES Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot. The good folks over at Lincoln Electric are hosting a free pipeline seminar at the corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. What inspired Lincoln Electric to focus on pipeline welding? Topics to be discussed include: Common pipeline welding challenges and solutions Hydrogen Cracking – What is it and how do you minimize it? Your comment has not yet been posted. MORE >>

Be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent Be a student enrolled in a welding-relation program (educational or training) in the United States or its territories   How do I apply?   Welding Grants Because of the Workforce Development Act, states receive federal funding to help build up the workforce in their area – and in many states welding is a field with with a workforce shortage. Now, it’s time for you take the next necessary step to turn your welding hobby into a career: graduate from a welding program. Quality education isn’t free (usually). MORE >>