Igniting Passion for the Trades: Our Collaboration with TikTok & SkillsUSA
At Hamlin Welding, we’ve always believed in the power of skilled trades—not just as jobs, but as meaningful, rewarding careers. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our new collaboration with TikTok and SkillsUSA, a partnership aimed at spotlighting the trades and inspiring the next generation of welders, fabricators, and craftsmen.
Why this matters
As industries evolve, there’s a growing need for skilled welders, machinists, and trade professionals. Yet many young people—and even their parents or guidance counselors—often view “the trades” as a fallback rather than a first-choice career path. We see enormous potential in changing that narrative.
By working with TikTok and SkillsUSA:
We can reach the audiences where they already are—on social media, consuming short-form, authentic video content.
We can show real, hands-on work in a compelling visual format.
We can partner with an organization (SkillsUSA) that already has credibility in trade and technical education.
In short, this collaboration lets us showcase trades not just as viable, but as desirable and prideful career paths.
The TikTok video: Bringing the trade to life
In our TikTok video, you’ll see a behind-the-scenes look at welding in action—sparks flying, metal forming, and the precision and craftsmanship that goes into every weld. The goal is simple: make trades visible, exciting, and aspirational.
While TikTok’s algorithm helps this content reach thousands (or even millions), the real impact comes from viewers seeing themselves in the process. Maybe it’s someone who’s never considered welding, or someone who thought the trades weren’t “for them.” We hope this sparks curiosity, questions, and ultimately, action.
How SkillsUSA helps amplify the message
SkillsUSA brings a valuable ecosystem:
Network & credibility: With chapters in high schools, technical colleges, and state-level competitions, SkillsUSA connects to students already interested in trade and tech education.
Events & exposure: We’re planning joint events—workshops, demonstrations, possibly even TikTok content live from SkillsUSA competitions.
Mentorship & pathways: SkillsUSA can help shape curricula, pair students with mentors, and support career transitions into the workforce.
Together, we’ll weave narrative, education, and opportunity.
Our goals & what we hope to achieve
Raise awareness
We want more people to see welding, fabrication, and trade work—not in a dusty “shop job” stereotype, but as technical, creative, and impactful professions.Drive engagement
Through TikTok, we hope to spark questions, comments, and shares. We’ll also promote opportunities—open houses, facility tours, internships, scholarships.Support recruitment & retention
It’s not just about getting people excited; it’s about guiding them into programs, not leaving them adrift. Partnering with education and trade organizations helps build that support structure.Foster community & mentorship
We want to help build a community where experienced trade workers mentor newcomers, share knowledge, and continue raising standards.
What you can do (and how you can help)
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or industry professional—here’s how you can plug in:
Watch & share the TikTok: The more views and engagement, the more visibility for the trades.
Encourage students to explore: Talk with your school, local trade shops, or counselors about technical education pathways.
Volunteer or mentor: If you have experience in welding, fabrication, or related trades, consider contributing your time to new learners.
Attend or host open-shop events: Let people into your workspace—seeing live work is powerful.
Partner locally: If you’re a school, nonprofit, or training center, let’s talk about joint programming, sponsorship, or content collaboration.
Looking ahead: milestones & next steps
Content series: We plan to produce more short-form videos highlighting different processes, trade roles, and “day in the life” stories.
Live demonstrations: At SkillsUSA events, career fairs, and local tech schools.
Scholarships/traineeships: We’re exploring ways to fund hands-on opportunities so that cost isn’t a barrier.
Impact tracking: Measuring inquiries, program enrollments, and longer-term career outcomes.
Why this collaboration matters—for all of us
At its heart, this isn’t just a marketing effort. It’s a mission to shift minds, break stereotypes, and give dignity to skilled trades. By showing that welding is art, engineering, and craftsmanship, we hope to draw in a new generation of talent.
We believe in producing work with integrity, in passing knowledge forward, and in growing possibilities. We’re proud to team with TikTok and SkillsUSA to push this movement forward.
Thank you for being part of it. Let’s build something—together.
