Across the industrial landscape, demand for skilled welders and fabricators continues to rise. According to the American Welding Society, more than 330,000 new welding professionals will be needed in the United States by 2028. At the same time, many younger workers remain unaware of the opportunities available in modern manufacturing and fabrication careers.
In an effort to close this gap, ESAB is investing in programs and partnerships that expand access to training, create new pathways into the trades, and inspire a new generation of fabricators – both locally and globally.
Expanding Access Through Innovative Workforce Programs
One example of this commitment is ESAB’s support for Welder Underground, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit apprenticeship program that trains young adults in welding and metal fabrication through a unique “earn while you learn” model.
The program combines hands-on technical training with real-world experience, enabling apprentices to earn American Welding Society certification while working on large-scale fabrication projects. ESAB provided equipment and support for the program’s inaugural cohort, helping bring this innovative model to life.
Welder Underground’s approach goes beyond traditional training. Apprentices collaborate with established artists and fabricators to create public works – blending technical skill development with creativity, purpose, and community impact.
Its first major project was the creation of Rappin’ Max Robot, an 18-foot, 7,000-pound steel sculpture made to pay homage to the global cultural movement of hip hop. This shows both the technical capabilities of participants and the power of fabrication as a creative and cultural force.
Scaling Impact Through Strong Demand and Partnerships
The momentum behind Welder Underground reflects a broader need to strengthen the pipeline of skilled talent entering the trades.
The program continues to expand as interest from prospective apprentices grows, highlighting strong demand for accessible, hands-on training pathways into welding and fabrication careers.
This growth is backed by a network of partners across the public and private sectors, including workforce development organizations, employers, industry unions, and support from the state of New York. Together, these stakeholders are driving the development of a more connected ecosystem that aligns training with real workforce needs.
Equally important, the program is building a clear pathway from training to employment. Through close collaboration with employers and union partners, participants gain access to career opportunities that offer long-term stability, competitive wages, and advancement opportunities.
Creating Pathways to Meaningful Careers
Programs like Welder Underground highlight what’s possible when training aligns with real industry needs.
Participants gain exposure not only to welding but also to advanced manufacturing techniques that increase employability and long-term earning potential, such as laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing. Many welders reach six-figure salaries early in their careers, making fabrication a compelling pathway for economic mobility.
ESAB is also expanding awareness and access through broader initiatives, including support of the Blue Collar Tour, which introduces students to skilled trade careers, and funding American Welding Society scholarships to help reduce financial barriers for those pursuing welding education and certification.
Investing in the Future of Fabrication – Globally
ESAB’s commitment to workforce development extends far beyond the United States, with long-standing investments in training and education across key global regions.
In India, ESAB’s Welding Centre of Excellence at Irungattukottai Industrial Park trains more than 100 students annually, with a 100% placement record. This builds on nearly a decade of impact at the Taratala Welding Institute, where more than 30,000 individuals have been trained – contributing to the creation of a strong pipeline of skilled professionals in one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing markets.
In the United Kingdom, ESAB supports initiatives like the Ore Projects, a mentoring-led program that provides free metal fabrication training to young people, with a growing focus on increasing participation among women entering the welding profession.
Across South America, ESAB operates and partners with leading training centers through Westarco in Colombia and Conarco in Argentina. These centers provide certified, hands-on instruction in key welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW, and helps set industry benchmarks for welder education and certification in the region.
Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow
Through initiatives like its Future Fabricators platform, community partnerships, and global training investments, ESAB is supporting the redefinition of how the next generation enters the skilled trades.
Today’s fabrication industry is rapidly evolving, driven by automation, digitalization, and advanced materials. Ensuring a skilled workforce is prepared to meet these demands is critical for industry growth as well as global infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing systems.
By investing in innovative training models and expanding access to opportunity, ESAB is doing more than supporting workforce development, it is fostering stronger communities, creating pathways to meaningful careers, and shaping the future of fabrication worldwide.
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