In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College.
Brian shares his perspective on the growing skilled labor crisis, why the U.S. is facing a massive workforce shortage, and how removing shop class and technical education from K–12 schools created the situation we're in today.
The conversation covers workforce demographics, infrastructure demand, energy production, AI-driven growth, and why construction and skilled trades remain recession-resistant careers with lifetime opportunity. Brian also explains how trade schools can rebuild the pipeline and why this problem must be treated as a national priority — not just an industry issue.
This is a big-picture discussion about the future of skilled labor, education reform, and why the trades matter more now than ever.
🔥 Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors
The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.
Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.
🎙️ Arc Junkies Podcast
🧢 Arc Junkies Merch:https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home
🏭 Underground Metal Works
Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals
🤝 Friends of the Show & Sponsors
🧰 BattlBox
Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly
🏛️ American Welding Society — Conferences
Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership
AWS Inspection Expo & Conference
🧤 Outlaw Leather LLC
Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last
⚡ Everlast Welders
High-performance welding machines without the high price tag
🎧 ISOtunes
Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication
