As we wrap up the year, I'm joined by Kevin Johnson, Max Ceron, and Frankie Vargas for our annual end-of-year cross-pod roundtable. We talk candidly about FabTech, the real ROI of in-person podcasting, and why live shows don't always move the needle the way people expect.
Kevin breaks down what went into this year's Fabricator Olympics, what he learned running a large-scale event, and why organization and efficiency matter just as much in events as they do in fabrication shops. We also dig into arc-on time, shop inefficiencies, and why welding is often only a small percentage of what a welder actually does day to day.
The conversation shifts into the welding labor shortage and skills gap—where those numbers come from, whether they're accurate, and why retention, culture, apprenticeships, and shop conditions matter just as much as recruiting new welders. We also cover why so many welders leave the hood for other roles, how benefits factor into pay decisions, and what schools and employers need to change if they want people to stay in the trade.
This is an honest, unscripted conversation about where the industry really is—and where it needs to go next.
Arc Junkies Podcast:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253
Email: Show@arcjunkies.com
Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com
Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home
Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/
Friends of the Show:
American Welding Society Conferences
Inspection Expo and Conference
https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/
Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event.
Outlaw Leather LLC
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Everlast Welders
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YouTube: Everlast Welders
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Fronius:
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Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket
ISOTUNES:
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Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.
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