The shortage of welders has significant implications for the U.S. Navy and its shipbuilding goals. Navy acquisition chief Nickolas Guertin highlights the challenge of replacing retiring, highly experienced workers with less experienced employees. This "greening of the workforce" has led to delays in building critical Navy ships, including submarines and destroyers.
Currently, the Navy is projected to fall 64 ships short of its 355-ship goal by 2028, even accounting for labor and supply chain delays. A strong Navy is essential for national security, but achieving this requires a skilled labor force capable of meeting the demand for shipbuilding and maintenance.
To address the welder shortage, the AWS Foundation has developed a Registered Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with Safal Partners and Fastport, both intermediaries of the U.S. Department of Labor. This program connects employers, educational institutions, and aspiring welders, providing a structured pathway to develop skilled professionals.
The apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training, mentorship, and classroom instruction. Apprentices are paid employees who contribute to their employer’s success while completing their training. The program typically takes four to five years to complete, requiring about 8,000 hours of training, with over 90% of that time spent on hands-on work.
Employers benefit from this program by gaining access to a structured training framework provided by AWS, which ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. Additionally, companies can offset labor costs through tax credits, federal funding, and programs like the GI Bill and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Apprenticeship programs are a vital solution to the welder shortage, particularly in industries like marine and defense where skilled labor is essential. By investing in these programs, employers can develop a workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern shipbuilding and fabrication.
With the support of the AWS Foundation and its partners, the welding industry is taking proactive steps to ensure its growth and sustainability, securing a brighter future for both workers and the nation’s infrastructure.
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