The average age of the working welder in the US is 56 years old. According to Sidni Wafler who is the recruiting director for Georgia Trade School (Welding Tips and Tricks Podcast 52). It is similar accross all the trades. We cannot maintain the infrastructure without tradesmen. Girls statistically make great welders so please encourage all your student to consider the trades. If this trend is not changed the country will simple fall apart as tradesmen and their knowledge dissapears.