Powering Today's High-Tech Welding Workforce
Dave Lambert, Group President of Miller Electric
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Get ready for a deep dive into the world of welding with the leader of an iconic brand in welding...Miller Electric!
Dave Lambert, Group President of Miller Electric gives us an update on the state of the welding industry, the future of manufacturing, and the evolving workforce needs. With nearly a century of innovation under its belt, Miller Electric is a household name in welding and manufacturing. Dave shares how the company stays ahead of the curve with cutting-edge technology and a steadfast commitment to its people and community.
In this episode, you’ll hear Dave’s insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing. From workforce development and skills training to automation and AI integration, discover how one of the most recognized brands in the industry is positioning itself for the future. Whether you’re in education, manufacturing, or simply passionate about technology, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
What you'll learn:
- How Miller Electric is bridging the skilled labor gap with new training methods and technologies
- The impact of robotics and AI on the welding industry
- Key tactics for preserving a strong, engaged company culture through growth and change
- Emerging roles and opportunities for women in welding and advanced manufacturing
- Applying the 80/20 rule to streamline operations and maximize business impact
Quotable Moments:
"There is so much that goes into the visible welding arc that we see... We're harnessing data. We're serving data up to customers around the globe about their welding operations... This is not your granddaddy's weld shop any longer."
"If you needed another reason to consider a career in welding, a highly skilled welder can easily earn six figures in this business without the need for a traditional college degree."
"We operate with a 'what, why, how' leadership model, and the 'how' is all about engaging our teams closest to the action that are ultimately going to know best how to execute any strategy."
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
- Welding today is driven by data and advanced technology: Modern welding is not the dirty, manual job it once was; it's now powered by data, automation, and AI. Dave Lambert explains how innovations like real-time data monitoring, collaborative robots, and AI-driven weld quality control are transforming welding into a high-tech, precise profession.
- Welding offers high-reward careers, but employers must compete for talent: Skilled welders are in high demand and can command impressive salaries without a traditional college degree. Lambert discusses how companies need to offer more than just competitive pay—they must create compelling cultures, growth opportunities, and innovative environments to attract and retain talent.
- Strong leadership and a vibrant company culture drive long-term success: Maintaining a healthy company culture through growth and change is crucial for sustained innovation and engagement. Lambert shares how Miller Electric focuses on humble leadership, community involvement, and empowering employees to keep the company’s culture strong and adaptable.
Resources in this Episode:
- Learn more about Miller Electric: https://www.millerwelds.com/
- Discover Miller's augmented reality and live welding training tools for education.
- Learn more about the APT MOD-Weld.
- Register to attend the MOD-Weld Open House event in Minneapolis, MN September 25th.
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