The Pathway to a Diverse Pipeline: Recruitment, Retention, and Belonging in a Welding Skilled Trade Training Program with Memphis Welding School

Abstract

The Memphis Welding School (MWS) is the first black-owned welding school in Memphis, aiming to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds through skilled trade workforce development in welding and boilermaking. The project addresses a pressing labor shortage in the skilled trades, particularly welding, while highlighting barriers to recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups, including women and BIPOC, in a predominantly white male industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather insights from MWS students and industry professionals regarding their experiences, perceptions of belonging, and engagement within the welding and boilermaking programs. The findings reveal significant recruitment challenges, a positive environment at MWS fostering student satisfaction and retention, and a notable desire for career advancement among diverse participants, ultimately suggesting actionable recommendations for improving recruitment and professional development in the welding and boilermaking trades.