Shaker High School senior Rob Congiusta is combining his passions in pursuit of a lucrative career. Congiusta is currently enrolled in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Capital Region BOCES where he is earning certifications and learning American Welding Society standards in pursuit of a career in the welding industry.
But he isn’t pursuing just any career in welding; rather, Congiusta would like to become an underwater welder.
“I plan to go to college for underwater welding. I like scuba diving and I like welding, so why not?” he said recently.
Underwater welding is a specialized trade that combines commercial diving skills with precision welding techniques. The pay reflects both the technical expertise required and the significant risks involved. While entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, experienced underwater welders working offshore or in saturation diving can earn well over $100,000 per year, according to industry sources.
“I like everything about welding and I have for a while,” said Congiusta, adding he has the same passion for diving.
Congiusta wouldn’t be the first Capital Region BOCES student to pursue such a career; there has only been a handful in the last decade or so. Congiusta said BOCES has prepared him well for his future.
“I like the skills we are learning at BOCES, the structure and the teacher. Everything,” he said.
Through the Capital Region BOCES Welding and Metal Fabrication high school and adult education programs, students such as Congiusta are prepared to enter the workforce or go on for more advanced training at specialized technical schools or colleges. Students learn skills ranging from plasma arc cutting to shielded metal arc welding and earn a host of industry certifications. For students who complete the program, the payoff can be rich. Demand for skilled workers is high in the industry, according to the American Welding Society, which is projecting a need for 90,000 new welders each year through 2027. The society also reports that of the 770,000 estimated workers in the industry, 155,000 are approaching retirement age, meaning many more vacancies will occur soon.