How To Hire Welders and Retain Skilled Talent
The Great Resignation may be slowing down, but there are still more jobs than available workers as companies continue to retain workers. Exiting employees cite general dissatisfaction, the rapidly rising cost of living and inflation as factors that led them to find new work. Finding talent is tougher than ever, and if you’re a manager, you may be wondering how you can keep the welders on your team while attracting new welding talent.
If you think about it, welders are one of the most necessary professions in the entire workforce, regardless of the industry. They’re needed for automobiles, shipbuilding, energy plants — you name it. Without them, your company’s production might grind to a halt. Don’t fret – we’ve curated a list of helpful tips to retain the welders you have and attract ones for open positions.
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How to Recruit Experienced Welders
Baby Boomer-era skilled trades workers are retiring in droves. If you limit your searches to the next generation of welders, you will miss out on opportunities to hire and to capture valuable knowledge from experienced workers. It’s best to employ welders of various experience levels to facilitate a smoother transition when workers retire or seek new opportunities.
Welders of any experience level will enjoy working where they feel valued, challenged and part of the bigger picture. When reaching out to potential talent, emphasize upward mobility, growth and challenging work to get them on board. Once hired, keep welders engaged by offering upskilling opportunities so they can add new skills. You can also engage more experienced welders through mentorship opportunities and routinely solicit their ideas on how to improve your welding program.
Salary and Perks to Attract Top Welding Talent
People leaving in the wake of the Great Resignation frequently cite stagnant salaries, a higher cost of living and inflation as reasons for their two-week notice. Naturally, one of the most effective ways to attract and retain welding talent is to offer competitive compensation.
If your company can afford it, make the salary competitive with other companies hiring welders in your area. Consider benefits and perks such as healthcare insurance, childcare stipends, sign-on bonuses or a flexible work schedule. Even if the job provides a great opportunity for growth, welders won’t care if they can’t pay the bills.
How to attract welders online
It’s truly a seeker’s job market and they’re likely searching for jobs on various sites and platforms. To attract top talent, it’s essential to maximize your digital presence across all major job boards and platforms.
Post your welding job openings on well-known sites like Aerotek’s Career Opportunities, Indeed and Monster to increase visibility. Don’t stop there—consider industry-specific boards or local classifieds where skilled tradespeople often search for work.
Make sure your job postings are:
● Clear and concise, with specific details about responsibilities and shift schedules
● Optimized with relevant keywords like “MIG welder,” “TIG welding jobs,” or “fabrication roles.”
● Highlighting key benefits such as competitive wages, safety programs and upskilling opportunities
When your job listings are easy to find and emphasize what matters to welders, you’ll improve both your applicant volume and quality.
How To Retain Skilled Welders Long-Term
Attracting talent is only half the battle—keeping your welding team engaged and motivated over time is key to long-term success. High turnover leads to lost productivity, increased training costs and project delays. Here are proven strategies to retain welding professionals:
1. Foster Career Development
● Offer certifications in areas like MIG, TIG or pipe welding
● Encourage cross-training in related trades like fabrication or inspection
● Provide clear pathways to leadership or supervisory roles
When welders see growth opportunities, they’re more likely to stay and invest in their future with your company.
2. Recognize Hard Work
● Celebrate achievements and safety milestones
● Offer performance bonuses or retention incentives
● Create a culture of appreciation on the shop floor
Regular recognition builds loyalty and shows your team that their contributions matter.
3. Invest in a Safe, Supportive Workplace
● Maintain OSHA compliance and prioritize safety training
● Provide high-quality, ergonomic PPE and tools
● Create a work environment where welders feel heard and respected
A safe, positive workplace not only protects workers, it makes them want to stay.
4. Stay Competitive With Compensation
Even if your team is loyal, rising costs may prompt them to explore other job opportunities. Stay up to date with local wage benchmarks and benefits trends to remain competitive.
Hiring and Retaining Welders in a Competitive Market
Finding talent is tough during the Great Resignation and prolonged searches can cause various business challenges.
By engaging both experienced and novice welders, making the position itself more attractive and getting the position in front of as many eyes as possible, you should be able to attract talent even in the labor shortage.
Aerotek works tirelessly to place in-demand professionals in roles where they can excel and be a value to your team. Contact us today and let us know about your workforce challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Welders
How do I attract experienced welders to my company?
Offer competitive wages, showcase career advancement opportunities and highlight challenging projects. Experienced welders want to feel valued and see a future with your team.
What benefits help retain welding talent?
Aside from salary, workers value healthcare coverage, flexible work hours, equipment certification programs and access to training opportunities. Investing in these areas helps reduce turnover.
Why is it important to hire welders with different experience levels?
Hiring both seasoned and junior welders ensures continuity and supports mentorship. It also creates a pipeline of talent to replace retirees and adapt to future needs.
Where should I post jobs to find welders online?
Use major job boards like Indeed and Monster, as well as specialized platforms like Aerotek’s Career Opportunities page. Social media and vocational school partnerships can also help.