Why Cleveland Needs More Certified Welders (and How OWETEC Is Leading the Way)

Cleveland’s Legacy and the Need for Skilled Welders

Cleveland’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse has always depended on the strength and skill of its workforce. Today, that legacy faces a challenge — a growing shortage of Certified Welders in Cleveland. Across industries like aerospace, nuclear energy, and food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, employers are struggling to find Certified Welders who can meet demanding safety and quality standards.

As advanced technologies transform industrial production, the need for Certified Welders in Cleveland programs becomes even more critical. From orbital welding and manual welding to weld examiner training, Cleveland needs more professionals equipped with the expertise to keep projects moving and industries thriving.

That’s where OWETEC is stepping up — to fill the skills gap and prepare the next generation of certified welding professionals.

According to the American Welding Society (AWS), the U.S. will need an additional 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with around 80,000 welding jobs opening each year between 2025–2029.

In Ohio, manufacturing supports over 691,900 jobs, making it one of the state’s most critical employment sectors.

In the Cleveland–Elyria metro area, manufacturing employment sits at approximately 117,100 workers as of late 2024.

These numbers highlight the scale of demand and the urgency for more highly trained, certified welders in our region — reinforcing why OWETEC’s certifications are not just helpful, but essential.

Cleveland’s Welding Skills Gap: A Growing Challenge

Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs hundreds of thousands, yet many employers report a shortage of welders trained for specialized environments — where precision, cleanliness, and quality standards are non-negotiable, such as in aerospace or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Industries that rely on orbital and manual welding face increasing project delays, higher costs, and growing competition for limited talent. Without more certified professionals entering the workforce, Cleveland risks losing ground in industries that depend on precision and reliability.

The good news: demand for certified welders translates directly into career opportunity. With the right training and credentials, welders can secure high-paying, stable jobs across multiple sectors.

Why Certification Matters More Than Ever

Precision and Quality Assurance

Whether it’s manual welding in construction and energy, or orbital welding in semiconductor and pharmaceutical cleanrooms, certified welders ensure every project meets critical safety and performance requirements. Certification isn’t just a credential — it’s a commitment to quality and accountability that employers trust.

Advancing Careers Through Expertise

Certified welders and weld examiners are among the most sought-after professionals in the trades. Certification opens doors to higher-paying roles, leadership opportunities, and greater job security. It also demonstrates mastery of modern welding techniques — a competitive advantage in industries where precision matters.

How OWETEC Is Building Cleveland’s Next Generation of Certified Welders

Comprehensive Training Programs

OWETEC delivers industry-recognized training in three key areas:

• Orbital Welding: Hands-on training using advanced orbital welding systems for high-purity, precision applications.

• Manual Welding: Core techniques for diverse industrial environments, from aerospace to oil and gas.

• Weld Examiner Certification: Specialized programs that prepare professionals to inspect, evaluate, and verify weld integrity using industry standards and testing methods.

Each program combines classroom learning, hands-on practice, and rigorous testing to ensure graduates meet or exceed industry requirements.

Experienced Instructors and Real-World Learning

OWETEC’s instructors are seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience from industries where precision is non-negotiable. Courses are aligned with AWS (American Welding Society) and international standards, ensuring students gain practical, employable skills backed by respected credentials.

Flexible Pathways for Every Career Stage

Whether you’re just starting your welding career or looking to upgrade your skills, OWETEC offers flexible scheduling and customized training paths. Programs are designed for both new entrants and working professionals, making certification achievable without interrupting employment.

Strengthening Cleveland’s Industrial Future

By expanding access to advanced welding education and certification, OWETEC is helping to secure Cleveland’s future as a hub for technical excellence. Each certified welder contributes to a stronger, safer, and more competitive manufacturing ecosystem — one that supports innovation, economic growth, and community resilience.

Get Certified. Get Ahead.

If you’re ready to take your welding career to the next level, OWETEC can help. Our certification programs prepare you for success — whether your goal is to master orbital welding, refine manual techniques, or become a certified weld examiner.

Learn more about our Welding Certification Programs and start your journey toward becoming a Certified Welder today.

Have any questions about our Orbital, Manual, or Weld Examiner courses? Contact us today — our team is here to help you get started.