| Is Welding a Bad Career Choice? |
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In a recent editorial column in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=537390), columnist Michael King argues that young people are not seeking careers in manufacturing because job security and long-term earning potential don’t match that of other sectors of the economy – specifically the technology sector. “These highly desirable workers have a world of options open to them,” King says. “Why would they choose to fight a losing battle against Chinese manufacturing wages when they can pursue more promising careers in information technology, telecommunications, medical technology or retailing?” The shortage of qualified manufacturing employees is well documented, but is it really a result of poor job security and long-term earning potential? And even more to the point, what can be done to fill these vacancies with skilled employees? Job security can be just as precarious in other sectors of the economy as it is in manufacturing. Just ask the million or so people who lost their jobs in the dot-com bust. Poor long-term earning potential is largely a myth derived from studies that compare four-year university educated people with high school graduates. Looking at long-term earning potential between university graduates and the skilled work force (people who attended a tech school or were trained through an apprenticeship program) reveals a much narrower earnings gap. But if job security and earning potential aren’t the sources of the welding labor shortage, what is the source? Is it strictly the image of welding? Is it lack of awareness about career paths? Please share your thoughts about why this problem exists and what you think can be done to reverse it by leaving a comment below. Read more from MillerWelds |
