The Welding Profession: Forging a Future, Bridging the Collar Divide
The global economy is in constant flux, with a noticeable shift towards a knowledge-driven landscape. This evolution has created a perceived dichotomy between “blue-collar” and “white-collar” professions. However, the sunrise sector of advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles has made it evident that the welding industry reveals a sector that not only plays an integral and crucial role in the very fabric of heavy industries and infrastructure, but also offers significant employability, competitive salaries, and a future with potential.
The Indian Institute of Skills, Ahmedabad and Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai, managed by Tata IIS in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, came into existence to provide a skilled workforce to these rising sectors. Tata IIS aims to enrich the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives that will increase employability among the Indian youth.
Blue Collar Job vs White Collar Jobs: Perceptions and Realities
The distinction between blue-collar and white-collar work is deeply ingrained in society. The modern, evolving economy led to an undervaluation of blue-collar jobs. The roles, characterized by physical labour and specialized skills, are often seen as “low grade or low status” compared to white-collar jobs. However, it fails to acknowledge the importance and demands of blue-collar work like welding. Industries spanning construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance are heavily reliant on these specialized skills.
The Indian Institute of Skills was seeded to dignify and challenge the traditional canvas of this blue-collar job. Welders, for instance, require a deep understanding of material science, physics, and chemistry to create strong and durable welds. This level of expertise and problem-solving ability directly contradicts the misconception that blue-collar jobs are simply manual labour.
Industry's Integral Role
Welding is a fundamental process underpinning a vast array of industries and the very infrastructure that modern society relies upon. From the towering skyscrapers to the intricate pipelines, from the vehicles that facilitate transportation to the complex machinery, welding plays an indispensable role.
As Rosedale Technical College aptly states, a welder's work "holds together buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure that society relies on.
As per the report by IMARC Group, the Indian welding consumables market was valued at USD 1,175 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 2,046 million by 2032, the welding sticks market alone generated a revenue of USD 485.9 million in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 661.9 million in 2030.
Welding is the foundational base of every heavy industry, like the aerospace industry, the renewable energy sector, the automotive industry, heavy machinery, and the oil and gas sector. Companies like JCB, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, rely heavily on skilled welders in their heavy products teams.
Less Competition and More Employability
Contrary to the perception of limited opportunities in blue-collar trades, skilled welders are currently in high demand, presenting a landscape of promising employability. The Indian Institute of Welding (IIW) estimates a shortfall of 1.2 million welding professionals, which is exacerbated by growth-driven job openings and the retiring workforce.
India’s ambitious infrastructure projects, like constructing 20 kilometres of highways daily, adding 90,000 MW of power generation capacity, and creating ₹52 lakh crore worth of new construction assets, are at risk due to insufficiently skilled workers.
This shortage is partly attributed to societal discouragement from pursuing blue-collar trades. Parents often steer children away from such professions, inadvertently reducing competition for those who choose welding as a career. Despite this perception, welding professionals are increasingly recognized as “precious commodities.”
Salaries in Welding as a Profession
The financial rewards of a welding career can be substantial and are directly linked to factors such as specialization, experience level, and geographical location. Dispelling the misconception that welders don’t earn well, Rosedale Technical College cites the Bureau of Labour Statistics’ median salary of $45,190 per year. For instance:
1) Oil Rig Welders: They are among the highest-paid, with salaries averaging around $77,000 per year (approximately ₹60 lakhs). Indian companies involved in offshore drilling and extraction may offer competitive salaries to attract skilled welders.
2) Aerospace Welders: Aerospace welders can earn premium salaries due to the stringent quality standards and specialized skills required.
3) Wind and Solar Energy: Welders working on wind turbines and solar panels can earn higher salaries due to the specialized nature of the work.
4) Automotive Welders: Specialized welders in the automotive sector have higher salaries due to the precision required in vehicle manufacturing.
5) Structural Welders: Large-scale construction projects, such as skyscrapers and bridges, yield higher salaries due to the critical nature of their work.
With a commendable industrial hold, Tata IIS aims to provide a rich network and connection platform where industry and skilled talent can cater to each other’s requirements. As a result, record placement was registered among the two batches of technical courses from both IIS Ahmedabad and IIS Mumbai.
Advanced Skills for the Welding Profession
Over 30 different welding methods are employed for various materials and situations; experienced welders must possess a strong understanding of the properties of metals and how temperature and welding styles influence the quality of the weld. The increasing adoption of advanced welding technologies further necessitates the acquisition of specialized skills.
Kannagi Rajendiran’s victory in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) 6G competition, which tests welders’ skills in one of the most difficult welding positions, underscores the level of mastery that is achievable and required in the profession. To provide a standard curriculum and hands-on experience, Tata IIS undertook a pedagogy style that will put more focus on practical experience, requiring welders to adapt to and utilize these advanced tools.
With Robotic Automation in Welding, It’s Safe
Welding is a safe and rewarding profession when the right safety protocols are followed. Health risks like exposure to fumes or skin and eye irritation are no longer major concerns when welders are trained to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety procedures diligently. In fact, safety issues typically arise only when these protocols are not followed.
Today, advancements in technology have taken safety and efficiency to the next level. Automation through robotic welding not only improves accuracy and productivity but also reduces direct human exposure to hazardous elements. At Tata IIS, trainees are equipped with the skills to operate advanced welding robots—making the process safer, smarter, and more effective.
With a strong emphasis on safety training and access to modern protective gear, welding is increasingly becoming a sustainable and forward-looking career choice.
Unorganized Label, Need More Standards and Compliance
The perception of welding as an unorganized profession is gradually being addressed through increasing emphasis on standards, certifications, and compliance initiatives. While the industry may have historically been less structured in some regions, there is a growing recognition through standardized practices.
The Indian Institute of Welding (IIW) actively organizes welding competitions, which implicitly promote adherence to quality standards and best practices in the field. Furthermore, IIS training programs and certifications indicate a move towards a more organized and standardized profession, ensuring a higher level of skill and competency within the workforce.
Scope and Future of Welding Jobs
The scope of welding jobs is remarkably diverse, spanning numerous industries and offering a multitude of career trajectories. Welding education can lead to roles as ironworkers, pipefitters, ship fitters, and even instructors, supervisors, or inspectors for those interested in education and management. The beacon of this welder skills development, Tata IIS, came up with a dedicated course for welders that is adaptable to various sectors, providing a broad range of employment opportunities.
The increasing emphasis on electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing is driving the use of new materials like lightweight alloys and aluminium, presenting unique welding challenges and requiring specialized expertise. The curriculum at Tata IIS includes the basics of manual welding and ARC welding techniques, such as manual arc welding, manual GMAW welding, manual GTAW welding, and weld quality inspection. Futuristic tech, such as robotics and automated welding, is one of the key focus areas of the curriculum. These skill development initiatives suggest a future where continuous learning and adaptation will be crucial for welders to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Conclusion
The welding profession stands as a compelling example of a blue-collar trade that defies outdated stereotypes and offers a wealth of opportunities in the modern economy. Its integral role in vital industries, coupled with high demand and competitive salaries, makes it an attractive career path.
Tata IIS understands the need for advanced skills and continuous learning, ensuring that welding remains a dynamic and intellectually stimulating field. With a strong emphasis on safety and a growing movement towards standardization and certification, welding is evolving into a more structured and respected profession.
FAQ’s
Tata IIS offers comprehensive welding courses that cover various welding techniques, including manual welding, ARC welding, MIG, TIG, and robotic welding, which are aimed at providing hands-on skills for modern industries.
The curriculum at Tata IIS combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing advanced welding technologies and safety protocols to prepare students for the growing demand in industries like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.
The duration of welding courses at Tata IIS varies depending on the level and specialization. Typically, they offer short-term certification programs as well as longer, diploma-level courses designed for intensive hands-on training.
Yes, Tata IIS provides excellent industry connections and a placement support system, which has helped many students secure jobs in top industries like manufacturing, EV construction, and energy sectors.
To inquire about enrolling in welding courses at Tata IIS, you can visit their official website or contact their admissions team via phone or email for detailed information on course offerings, prerequisites, and enrollment processes.
The cost of welding courses at Tata IIS depends on the course level and duration. For specific pricing, it’s best to contact Tata IIS directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
The cost of welding courses at Tata IIS depends on the course level and duration. For specific pricing, it’s best to contact Tata IIS directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Tata IIS occasionally offers scholarships and financial aid for deserving students. It’s recommended that you contact their admissions office directly for any available scholarships or funding opportunities.
Yes, Tata IIS offers training in advanced welding technologies, including robotic welding and automated systems, which are increasingly in demand in modern manufacturing and energy sectors.
Safety is a priority at Tata IIS. The curriculum includes extensive safety training, ensuring that students are well-versed in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following the latest industry safety standards.
Tata IIS has campuses in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Both campuses offer specialized welding courses with state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on training and industry-specific learning.
