Impact of the learning curve on the production performance of shipyard welding workers

The growth of mechanisation and automation in welding technology has been significant, but welders continue to play an essential role in shipbuilding yards for productivity and health and safety purposes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between welder performance and experience in manual gas metal arc welding operations in shipbuilding. The study utilises statistical data and discrete event simulation, within the scope of learning curve theory. The study determines how welder experience affects the welding quality and production rate by conducting an independent sample t-test and a single block erection simulation for welders with less experience (2 to 5 years) and highly experienced workers (8 to 17 years) respectively. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature by providing evidence that welding quality and production rate in manual gas metal arc welding operations are majorly affected by welders’ job experience.