Welding Weekly Brief: April 29 – May 5, 2025
From AI-powered automation to student victories and welding code updates, here’s the most relevant industry news welders should know about this week.
1. 
New Welding Training Center Breaks Ground in South Carolina
Greenville Technical College is building a $15M+ Center for Welding and Automation Excellence to address the nationwide welder shortage. With over 400,000 open welding jobs and only one new welder entering the workforce for every four who retire, this new facility will feature robotics, automation labs, and state-of-the-art training capacity.
Published: April 29, 2025
The Business Narrative: Greenville Technical College Breaks Ground on Center for Welding and Automation Excellence | Greenville Business Magazine
2. 
Miller Launches Syncrowave 212 to Simplify TIG
Miller Electric has released the Syncrowave 212, an AC/DC TIG machine that features Auto-Set™ capabilities and user-friendly controls. The unit is designed to help shops keep TIG work in-house instead of outsourcing, easing the complexity of precision TIG jobs.
Published: May 5, 2025
https://www.millerwelds.com/about/our-company/news-releases/miller-simplifies-tig-welding-with-the-new-syncrowave-212
3. 
Path Robotics + ALM Team Up for Smart Welding Automation
Path Robotics and ALM Positioners have partnered to build AI-driven robotic welding systems that adapt in real-time. This new system eliminates traditional programming headaches, making robotic welding accessible even for high-mix, low-volume work.
Published: April 30, 2025
ALM, Path Robotics partner to expand AI welding automation
4. 
Welding Flaw Halts Scottish Ferry After Hull Crack
Scotland’s long-delayed ferry MV Glen Sannox was pulled from service due to a cracked weld seam that caused a five-inch hull gap. Though quickly repaired, the flaw has sparked investigation into persistent vibration issues and raised concern over quality control.
Published: May 3, 2025
Troubled Ferry Glen Sannox Has Vibration Issues
5. 
Arkansas Welding Students Win Big at SkillsUSA
Five students from the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s College of Technology–Crossett medaled at the SkillsUSA state competition, including gold in pipe welding and silver in sculpture. The winners will advance to nationals in Atlanta this summer.
Published: May 2, 2025
Five UAM-CTC Students Win State Medals at Arkansas SkillsUSA Welding Competition
Fun Fact
The world’s first industrial robot was a welder! In 1961, GM’s “Unimate” robot began spot welding on an assembly line, ushering in the era of industrial automation — and it all started with a welding torch.