Drawing lessons from past incidents like the Bridge collapse (ROB /FOB), the article highlights the relevance of sustainability in fabrication techniques and the need for quality welding equipment and workforce.

In a recent requirement of industrial development, fabrication is a special requirement of Defense, Shipbuilding, Petrochemical plants, Oil & gas transmission pipelines, Offshore Structures, Pharmaceutical plants, Processing equipment, Energy, Metros, Aircraft, Aerospace, Automobiles, Gas turbine engine components, etc – a shortage of skilled welding engineers and a disregard for industry codes and specifications.

The current situation & demands

The current situation demands an increase in the height of the bridge, an endeavour that risks the original structure and questions the overall quality of the construction. The extensive use of steel in the bridge’s construction emphasises its structural complexity, making the presence of qualified welding engineers all the more crucial.

Western Railway is all set to open its first stainless steel foot-over bridge at Bhayander station. The new Foot Over Bridge at Bhayander railway station (South End) is the first stainless steel FOB over Western Railway. It is constructed with the latest structural materials and innovative design, incorporating wider and easier stair slopes, making climbing easy.

However, a gaping hole in India’s infrastructure development is the need for more skilled professionals. Welding, a critical component in construction, requires a comprehensive understanding of industry codes, Standards, specifications, and fabrication requirements before initiating any work. Unfortunately, this crucial preparatory step often falls through the cracks, resulting in compromised quality and a wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money.

The purpose of Training and Skill  

The primary goal of training and skill development is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to ensure product quality, safeguarding against defects and discontinuities that compromise the integrity of materials and structures. Additionally, the training enhances safety for individuals and materials involved in various processes. The overarching objective of addressing defects and discontinuities is to contribute to the overall system reliability, minimising the risk of premature failure. Recognising the interconnected nature of quality, safety, and reliability, comprehensive training creates a robust foundation for successful and sustainable outcomes.

Global disparities in steel consumption

A glance at global steel consumption reveals disparities between developed and developing nations. Developed countries exhibit higher per capita steel consumption, whereas India’s levels remain comparatively low. This stark contrast underscores the urgency of bolstering capabilities in steel production, welding technology, consumables, and workforce training to bridge this gap effectively.

Despite the emergence of advanced technologies, such as robotic welding, India grapples with a substantial shortage of qualified personnel. Initiatives like postgraduate welding and fabrication technology programs aim to fill this void by nurturing a skilled workforce. These programs are especially crucial in critical sectors like defence, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and oil and gas, where knowledge gaps and overconfidence can lead to catastrophic accidents.

NDT and welding professionals are increasingly recognised as a ‘precious commodity’ worldwide, with a projected shortage of 220,000 Welders, NDT Inspectors & Welding professionals in India by 2030. This shortage emphasises the growing demand for skilled individuals in these fields, presenting an opportunity for targeted training programs and workforce development to address the impending gap and meet industry demands.

Government investments

Substantial investments earmarked for infrastructure development by governmental bodies like the Ministry of Defense and Transport highlight the importance of comprehensive training programs. Without a well-trained workforce, accidents and inefficiencies will persist, impeding progress in infrastructure development.

Bridging the skills gap

India’s journey towards sustainable growth and development hinges on prioritising education and training in welding and fabrication technology. By investing in human capital and cutting-edge equipment, India can aspire to build and maintain world-class infrastructure while ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Institute of Welding & Testing Technology (IWTT) is one of the first Autonomous Institute in India that is certified by DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 by TUV NORD Cert GmbH for training, certification, Inspection, and Consultancy for Welding, Brazing, Soldering, Gas cutting, Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing and Specialise in Industrial Paint –coating related issues under one roof. The institute runs independent control over daily activity. 

The call to action is clear: it’s time to bridge the skills gap. Initiatives like postgraduate programs and investments in welding machines, consumables, and manpower are not just solutions; they are prerequisites for India’s success in the global arena. As we traverse this path, let us not only repair bridges but also build a foundation for a robust and sustainable future.