Approximately 1,500 welders are needed by businesses in West Virginia, and the shortage is causing businesses to put orders on backlog and to recruit and welders in neighboring states.

Businesses, including truck frame manufacturers, mining enterprises, and producers of equipment used in electrical power generating facilities, are looking for welders who can weld aluminum and carbon and stainless steels. Businesses also are looking for skilled welding inspectors.

Carl Smith, associate professor and welding coordinator for West Virginia University at Parkersburg and chairman of the local American Welding Society's Tri-state section (Section 103) was quoted in a local news report as saying that students who are graduating from the university's welding program are being hired immediately, and the demand for additional welders continues.