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 X and Y often lack the skills necessary to enter a trade, they also do not receive the exposure to the trades that their parents and grandparents did, say industry insiders. “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. The program would take place over the course of two years, and, upon completion, students could either stay with Spacetron on a permanent basis or attempt to find work elsewhere. Montoya, a Baby Boomer at age 55, said that he’s long known that there would be a shortage of qualified metal fabricators when members of his generation left the trade to enter retirement. “It’s a whole new generation of young people. It’s not only a problem for Spacetron but also for Boeing, Northrop and Lockheed,” he said. “With no trade schools or teaching of the trades, especially right now, for someone to come to Spacetron it would take them awhile (to become qualified). We do some sophisticated items here.” While schools may not be able to provide students with the hands on work experience needed to work in the industry, Montoya does believe that they can create an environment in which students are exposed to aerospace work. Lennie Ciufo, director of job training at Los Angeles Valley College, agrees. Ciufo said that lack of exposure to such fields may inhibit students’ curiosity about exploring a trade as a career. “I think in order for (students) to have an interest in it, you have to be exposed to it and have it available for you to learn,” he said. What is needed is “almost kind of like a mentor person to tell you or inform you what the possibilities are for a career.” Whereas in the past, students were exposed to the trades in middle and high school, now adolescents are hard-pressed to find such classes readily available to them. “I think these classes brought an awareness,” Ciufo said. “My son took a woodwork class in high school. It got him interested in construction.” Via its manufacturing lab, LAVC has attempted to expose students to the trades. The college also has a film that showcases the trade professions, particularly career opportunities in manufacturing. “I don’t think people are aware this is another option,” Ciufo said. There’s also the perception that the trades require one to literally get their hands dirty. But that’s not necessarily the case today, Ciufo said. “Everybody’s putting a formula into computers to make parts,” he said. “I mean there’s no grease. We have to change the perception that these jobs are dirty. People have an old fashioned perception of what a trade career is. (In reality) it’s sophisticated. It’s computerized technology. We need to show people the positive side of these professions.” Schools in the Valley that expose students to the trades include North Valley and West Valley occupational centers, Pierce College and Monroe High School. While Monroe High School doesn’t offer hands-on training in the trades, the students in its engineering academy are exposed to the aerospace industry through partnerships the school has formed with local aerospace companies. Many students there have been given the opportunity to complete internships with companies such as Syncro Aviation. In addition to its esteemed automotive program, Pierce College offers courses in trades such as welding and drafting. West Valley Occupational Center offers a variety of trade classes as well. There, students can train to be an electrician or a construction worker or take classes in drafting, locksmith, air conditioning/refrigeration, pool maintenance and automotive fields. William Gooden, head of WVOC’s Business Education Department, said that the school is open to broadening the training it offers in the trade professions. “We’re looking at different directions to go,” he said. “We’re pretty flexible. We go where there’s a demand.” At WVOC’s peer school, North Valley Occupational Center, the trades are increasingly growing in popularity. NVOC offers a plethora of courses in the trades, including in electronic drafting, machinery, welding, refrigeration engineering, construction work, carpentry, electrician studies, aviation mechanics and automotive science. Moreover, both high school students and adults can receive preparation there to become certified in trade professions. Assistant Principal Elizabeth Penuela said that instructors at the school use their connections with businesses to get students involved with area unions and companies such as Sears. Penuela herself is getting involved in the community so that residents can learn firsthand about the opportunities NVOC offers. “I really want to reach parts of communities not being served to spread the word that we do have these classes,” she said.
