Proper welding training could solve youth unemployment

When Sulaiman Mugejjera had just ventured into 3D metallic metal graphics in 2013, he struggled to convince potential clients on the uniqueness of the new technology and why it cost more compared to conventional graphics.
“Their closest imagination was that of a metallic door, which was not so fancy,” he recalls, painting the narrow view Ugandans have of the welding industry. However, seven years later, after mastering sheet metal welding, Mugejjera is one of the few go-to persons in 3D metal graphics, all thanks to welding.
“Nowadays, clients look for us basing on our works elsewhere,” the young entrepreneur says.
Welding is basically fusing separate pieces of metal together, using intense heat and pressure. But if you contextualise the notion of metal joinery, you appreciate the importance of the profession in this world run by metals.  From communication gadgets to transport vehicles and medical equipment to ammunition that guard us; construction equipment and all sorts of machinery, are all works of the welder’s gifted hands.
 Without the welder’s input, you cannot have that luxurious jewellery you flaunt or crave; that fancy phone, Bluetooth headsets, laptop. That dream bike or car.
In advanced economies, welders are reaping big from the petroleum exploration industry. According to Grand View Research, a US based market research and consulting company, the global welding products market size was estimated at $ 14.49b in 2019….