A crumbling bridge symbolizes the need for corrosion education.

Is Your Infrastructure Crumbling? Why Corrosion Education Matters More Than Ever

Theo Raines in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 3 min read.

"From bridges to pipelines, corrosion is a silent threat costing billions. Discover how investing in corrosion education can protect our future."

Imagine a world where bridges stand strong, pipelines reliably deliver resources, and essential infrastructure remains resilient against the relentless forces of nature. This isn't just a utopian dream; it's a future we can build by prioritizing corrosion education. Corrosion, the gradual degradation of materials due to environmental factors, poses a significant threat to our infrastructure, economy, and even our safety.

The impact of corrosion is staggering, costing the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Beyond the financial burden, corrosion can lead to catastrophic failures, endangering lives and disrupting essential services. But there's a powerful solution: investing in a workforce educated and trained to combat corrosion effectively.

This article delves into the critical need for enhanced corrosion education, drawing insights from a comprehensive National Research Council assessment. We'll explore the current state of corrosion education, the challenges we face, and the opportunities to cultivate a workforce capable of safeguarding our infrastructure for generations to come.

The Corrosion Workforce: A Pyramid of Expertise

A crumbling bridge symbolizes the need for corrosion education.

The fight against corrosion requires a diverse workforce with varying levels of expertise. Think of it as a pyramid, with a small number of highly specialized experts at the top and a broader base of technicians and practitioners implementing protection strategies. Each level plays a vital role in preventing and mitigating corrosion.

At the apex of this pyramid are the corrosion experts and scientists. These individuals possess deep knowledge of corrosion mechanisms, materials science, and advanced technologies. They're the innovators who develop new tools, models, and sensors to monitor material health and push the boundaries of corrosion prevention.

Corrosion Experts: Innovators, Researchers.
Corrosion Engineers: Designers, Problem Solvers.
Technologists/Inspectors: Implementers, Maintainers.
Material Specifiers: Decision Makers.

The next level comprises corrosion engineers from various disciplines – mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and civil. These engineers are responsible for designing technological hardware, components, and systems, making critical decisions about materials selection and protection strategies. Ideally, they should possess a solid understanding of corrosion principles or know when to consult with corrosion experts.

Building a Corrosion-Resilient Future

Corrosion poses a significant threat to our infrastructure, economy, and safety. By investing in comprehensive corrosion education, we can equip the next generation of engineers and technicians with the knowledge and skills to combat this pervasive challenge. It's an investment in a more resilient, sustainable, and secure future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1149/2.f06121if, Alternate LINK

Title: Opportunities And Challenges In Corrosion Education: Review Of A National Research Council Assessment

Subject: Electrochemistry

Journal: Interface magazine

Publisher: The Electrochemical Society

Authors: J. R. Scully, W. L. Harris

Published: 2012-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does corrosion impact our infrastructure, and why is it important to invest in corrosion education?

Corrosion impacts infrastructure by gradually degrading materials due to environmental factors, leading to billions in financial losses. It also poses safety risks due to potential failures in essential infrastructure. Investing in corrosion education helps develop a skilled workforce to prevent and mitigate these damages, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable environment. Specific examples of affected infrastructure include bridges, pipelines, and other essential components that are critical to maintaining societal functions. The consequences of not addressing corrosion include increased maintenance costs, service disruptions, and potential disasters.

What are the different levels of expertise within the corrosion workforce, and what role does each play?

The corrosion workforce consists of a pyramid-like structure. At the top are 'Corrosion Experts' and scientists who innovate and research. Below them are 'Corrosion Engineers' from various disciplines who design and solve problems related to corrosion. Then come the technologists and inspectors who implement and maintain corrosion protection measures, and finally, the 'Material Specifiers' who make decisions about the materials used in infrastructure projects. Each level is vital for preventing and managing corrosion effectively.

Why is enhanced corrosion education critical for building a more resilient and sustainable future?

Corrosion education is crucial because it equips engineers and technicians with the knowledge and skills to combat the degradation of materials. Enhanced education ensures that infrastructure is designed and maintained to withstand environmental factors, preventing costly damages and safety hazards. Specifically, it addresses the need for 'Corrosion Experts', 'Corrosion Engineers', 'Technologists/Inspectors' and 'Material Specifiers' to have a solid understanding of how corrosion impacts their specific roles in maintaining infrastructure.

What role do Corrosion Engineers play in preventing infrastructure degradation?

Corrosion Engineers are crucial because they apply corrosion principles to the design and maintenance of infrastructure. They select appropriate materials and protection strategies to prevent or minimize corrosion. Their expertise helps ensure the longevity and safety of critical systems like bridges, pipelines, and other essential components. Without trained Corrosion Engineers, infrastructure is more susceptible to degradation, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential failures. They work closely with 'Corrosion Experts' to understand the latest innovations and research.

What are the long-term benefits of investing in corrosion education for infrastructure?

Investing in corrosion education leads to several long-term benefits. It fosters a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure by preventing costly damages and safety hazards. A well-educated workforce can develop innovative corrosion prevention strategies, reducing the financial burden and environmental impact associated with infrastructure degradation. Moreover, it enhances public safety by ensuring that essential services remain reliable and secure, contributing to overall economic stability and growth. This investment specifically targets developing expertise among 'Corrosion Experts', 'Corrosion Engineers', 'Technologists/Inspectors' and 'Material Specifiers'.