Russia will require more than 136,000 welders over the next five years, according to Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov. Based on the national workforce forecast, welding is among the most in-demand and technologically significant professions in the real sector.
“The welding profession is crucial for nearly every sector of the real economy,” Kotyakov emphasized.
Metal structures are widely used in construction, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, energy, and infrastructure.
At the same time, the industry is evolving: new welding methods, robotic systems, and advanced materials continue to appear — but even the most sophisticated technologies still require well-trained specialists.
Overall, Russia’s need for skilled workers across industrial sectors exceeds one million people.
These include specialists in manufacturing, construction, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure maintenance.
The government’s task is not only to train these professionals but also to create conditions that attract young people to technical and trade professions.
A modern welder is no longer just a master of manual arc welding.
Today’s professionals operate CNC equipment, automated systems, robotic complexes, and digital quality-control tools.
As a result, training in this field requires a new level of education — practical, technology-driven, and focused on safety.
Welding work is essential in the construction of industrial and residential facilities, bridge building, installation of engineering systems, and maintenance of energy equipment.
According to Ministry of Labour forecasts, the shortage of specialists in this field will continue to grow, particularly in regions with active industrial development.
Kotyakov noted that school graduates should consider technical and engineering professions connected with modern equipment, automation, and unmanned systems.
Demand for such careers is steadily increasing, and highly qualified welding and installation specialists are already among the most sought-after professionals in the country.