{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Science Behind Better Welders and Better Shops","description":"Most fab shops say they can\u2019t find good welders. Nate Bowman says that\u2019s not the real problem. From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead. Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear. It\u2019s not just about welding technique. It\u2019s about creating an industry people actually want to stay in. In this episode, you\u2019ll learn:   Why most shops don\u2019t have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem   How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention   What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it   Why showing up in person still matters when hiring   How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one   Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped   Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment   Timestamps: 01:05 \u2013 Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science 04:55 \u2013 Why early wins matter when training new welders 08:45 \u2013 The culture problem in welding education 12:10 \u2013 Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes 15:50 \u2013 Why \u201capply online\u201d isn\u2019t enough anymore 17:15 \u2013 Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop 25:20 \u2013 Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality Resources: Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/weldscientist\/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/lights-out\/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/buy-the-numbers\/ ","author_name":"Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/540547","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39424360\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/196609390"}