CREATING A DIVERSE PIPELINE OF SKILLED WELDERS (Winter 2025). The welding industry is experiencing a significant workforce shortage, with a notable lack of diversity. Nationally, only 5.3% of welders are women. In Indiana, the demand for skilled welders is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, with an anticipated 1,920 job openings annually. Despite these opportunities, the field remains predominantly male, highlighting the need for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

Latinas Welding Guild (LWG) is addressing this disparity by providing accessible welding education and workforce development programs tailored for women and underserved communities in Indiana. LWG’s efforts aim to bridge the gap between the growing demand for skilled welders and the underrepresentation of women in the industry.

Why LWG’s work is critical:

*Growing Demand in Indiana: The state’s welding industry is expected to see a 9% growth over the decade, underscoring the need for a larger, more diverse workforce.
*Economic Opportunities: Certified welders in Indiana earn an average hourly wage of $25.96, translating to approximately $53,500 annually, which provides a pathway to economic stability for many individuals.
*Aging Workforce: With a significant portion of the current welding workforce nearing retirement, there is an urgent need to train new welders to fill these impending vacancies.

LWG’s impact through comprehensive training programs:

*Increase Female Representation: Empower more women to enter the welding profession, thereby diversifying the workforce.
*Provide Industry-Recognized Certifications: Equip participants with the credentials needed to secure gainful employment in the welding industry.
*Facilitate Job Placement: Partner with local employers to ensure our graduates find meaningful employment opportunities promptly after certification.

By focusing on these objectives, Latinas Welding Guild addresses immediate workforce needs and contributes to a more inclusive and robust welding industry in Indiana.

In the image, the hardworking Latinas Welding Guild team; photo by Gloria Bulaya.

Clowes Fund Field(s) of Interest: Workforce Development

Grantees