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Most fab shops say they can't find good welders. Nate Bowman says that's not the real problem.
From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead.
Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear.
It's not just about welding technique. It's about creating an industry people actually want to stay in.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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Why most shops don't have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem
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How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention
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What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it
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Why showing up in person still matters when hiring
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How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one
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Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped
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Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment
Timestamps:
01:05 – Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science 04:55 – Why early wins matter when training new welders 08:45 – The culture problem in welding education 12:10 – Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes 15:50 – Why "apply online" isn't enough anymore 17:15 – Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop 25:20 – Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality
Resources:
Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weldscientist/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/
