Episode
Why Welding Is Losing Young Talent (And How to Fix It)
- Published
- Jan 20, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3099
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Summary
Welding careers, welding apprenticeship programs, and the welding skills gap—Arc Junkies host Jason Becker breaks down what today’s welders need to know. Host Andrew Brown sits down with Jason Becker, Marine veteran, longtime welder, educator, and host of the Arc Junkies podcast, to explore the real-world journey from hands-on welding work to industry-wide storytelling and advocacy. This episode unpacks how years of hands-on welding experience shaped Jason’s voice as an industry advocate and podcast host—learning welding through repetition, hard work, and decades in the trade and how he went on to hosting his own podcast where he’s spent 450+ episodes amplifying honest conversations about welding careers, workforce development, and the growing welding skills gap. Together, Andrew and Jason break down what today’s welders need to know about welding apprenticeship programs, trade school for welding, mentorship, pay progression, and why the trades struggle to attract and retain the next generation. The conversation also highlights how platforms like the Arc Junkies podcast help reshape how young people view welding and the broader Skilled Trades. Whether you’re considering a career in welding, already working under the hood, or interested in how storytelling can influence the Trades Industry, this episode delivers grounded, experience-backed insight. IN THIS EPISODE (00:01) – From Under the Hood: Jason Becker’s welding origin story (07:45) – Military welding, ironwork, and decades in the field (16:10) – To the Mic: Taking over the Arc Junkies podcast (27:30) – Welding Apprenticeship Programs vs Trade School for Welding (40:50) – The Welding Skills Gap: pay, perception, and mentorship failures (55:40) – Why storytelling matters for the future of welding careers Key Takeawa…