Kayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder, welding examiner, and senior instructor with the Boilermakers in Canada, and in this episode she breaks down what it really takes to build a career in one of the most demanding trades in welding.If you’ve ever wondered how pressure tickets work in Canada, what boiler makers actually do, or how mentorship and union training can change the trajectory of a welding career, this conversation gives you a real inside look at the path.In this episode, you’ll learnHow Kayla went from welding in the field to becoming an instructor and education advocate for the next generation.What the pressure ticket means in Canada, and why it opens the door to additional pressure qualifications rather than being the finish line.What boiler makers do on site, from tube work and pressure applications to high-stakes welds that can require X-ray inspection.How union apprenticeship training builds skills through classroom learning, hands-on work, and mentorship.Why confidence, workplace culture, and asking questions matter just as much as technical ability in welding.About KaylaKayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder by trade, a welding examiner and instructor with the Boilermakers, and a contributor to educational content through the CWB. Her background includes field welding, union training, mentorship, and a strong focus on helping welders avoid the mistakes, unsafe habits, and dead-end paths that can hold them back.She also talks about the importance of keeping skills local, supporting strong workplace culture, and creating more access to practical welding education for people entering the trade.Thank you to this weeks sponsor Abicor BinzelLearn more about the iBOTone https://goweld.link/abicorpodConnect with KaylaWebsite: WeldTux.comInstagram: @weldtux https://www.instagram.com/weldtux/ Download The Weld AppiOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #Boilermaker #PressureWelding #WeldingEducation #UnionWelding #WeldingInstructor #WeldingMentorship #WeldingLife #TradeSkills

The welding industry is changing fast, and if you want to keep up, it is not about learning one process anymore. In this episode of WELD, Beau Wigington takes a look inside the brand new CWB Group Center of Innovation in Milton, Canada, during its grand opening to see how training, technology, and industry partnerships are shaping the future of the trade.Beau talks with leaders from CWB Group about the new innovation hub, the weld shop, the EV repair training area, and the Canadian Collision Repair Academy. From advanced inspection methods and automation to practical training for newcomers and upskilling welders, this episode shows why facilities like this matter for the next generation of technicians and fabricators.In this episode, you will learn:How CWB Group is bringing innovation, training, and industry partnerships under one roof.What the innovation hub is showcasing, including cobots, simulators, laser welding, and ultrasonic phased array technology.Why phased array ultrasonic testing is a major step forward in weld inspection and traceability.How the new EV repair center is preparing technicians for the safety demands of working on electric vehicles.What the Canadian Collision Repair Academy teaches about structural repair, aluminum welding, and manufacturer procedures.How the new weld shop is being used for hands-on training, testing, and government-funded education programs.This episode also explores Industry 4.0 and what it means for welding, automation, robotics, and AI in a field that still depends on strong manual skills. The big takeaway is simple: the future of welding will reward people who can adapt, learn, and work across more than one discipline.Facilities like the CWB Center of Innovation are more than impressive buildings. They are a sign of where the industry is headed, and why training, access to new technology, and collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and welders are becoming more important than ever.

Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder for the Niagara Parks Commission, and his job is anything but ordinary.If you're a welder who wants to see what it looks like to work on iconic infrastructure, custom fabrication, and one-of-a-kind projects every single day, this episode shows you exactly what that career can look like.In this episode, you'll learn:What the Red Seal certification actually is and how it differs from the American apprenticeship system, including why it's competency-based rather than hour-based.How Ian apprenticed at Niagara Parks and how going to school for welding technology allowed him to skip ahead in his apprenticeship and get his foot in the door.The wide variety of work Ian does at the park, from fabricating the iconic railings at the Falls and converting them to stainless steel, to building custom truck beds, repairing cast iron park benches, and supporting underwater welders.How Ian and his mentor Ed tackled the Aero Car canopy conversion, replacing old mild steel infrastructure with stainless steel with no blueprints, just problem-solving and a rented roller.Why working with aluminum, stainless, and mild steel on a regular basis sets Ian apart from welders who only get to touch those materials once in a while.How the CWB Hamilton Association is breaking down barriers to get young people into trades, donating to 22 schools this past year and bringing parents and students in for hands-on welding seminars.Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder with the Niagara Parks Commission, where he maintains and fabricates infrastructure across 56 kilometers of parkland surrounding Niagara Falls. He is also the chair of the CWB Association Hamilton Chapter, where he works to connect students, parents, and employers to grow the next generation of skilled tradespeople. His perspective is especially valuable for welders curious about the Red Seal path, non-production welding careers, or getting involved in their local welding community.Connect with Ian Mehlenbacher / CWB Hamilton:https://www.cwbgroup.org/advocacy/membership/chapters/hamilton-chapter Download the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleAppAndroid: Google Play https://goweld.link/AndroidIf this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #RedSeal #CanadianWelding #NiagaraFalls #WeldingEducation #CWB #Apprenticeship #Fabrication

Mohamed Amer has spent 15 years climbing every rung of the aerospace welding world, from the shop floor to engineering, inspection, sales, and management, and now he helps manufacturers break into one of the most compliance-driven sectors in the industry.If you're a welder looking for a cleaner environment, better pay, and a long-term career path, or a shop owner wondering what it actually takes to get aerospace certified, this episode gives you a real, no-fluff look at what that world requires.In this episode, you'll learn:What aerospace welding actually is and why it's about far more than the weld itself, covering everything from pre-weld compliance and procedure qualifications to post-weld inspection and traceability.Why material traceability is a massive deal in aerospace, including how filler material heat lot numbers, tungsten, argon flow rates, and cleaning procedures all have to be documented on the traveler.How a shop gets aerospace certified, starting with a gap assessment, building out a quality system like AS9100, and earning NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) accreditation through an external audit body.Where most shops fall short on compliance, from WPS applicability and machine setup on the shop floor to the flow-down of customer requirements reaching inspectors.Why aerospace is one of the best career paths for welding students, with clean, temperature-controlled environments, competitive pay, and clear paths into inspection, quality, and management roles.Mohamed Amer is the owner of Amer Welding Solutions, a consultancy that helps manufacturers enter the aerospace welding market and elevate their overall welding processes. With 15 years of experience spanning shop floor work, machining, engineering, inspection, sales, and management, Mohamad brings a full-picture perspective on what it takes to build a compliant, high-performing aerospace welding operation. He also volunteers at schools across the country to introduce students to aerospace welding opportunities, free of charge, because he believes the trade can take anyone further than they think.Sponsors:Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.orgConnect with Mohamad Amer:LinkedIn: Mohamed Amer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-amer-2bbb1b57/Website: https://amer-welding-solutions.com/ Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleAppAndroid: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #AerospaceWelding #WELD #AerospaceManufacturing #WeldingEducation #WeldingJobs #Fabrication

Justin LaFond built a welding career the hard way — through shop work, sales, field experience, and learning how to solve problems most people overlook.If you’re a welder trying to figure out your next move, avoid expensive career mistakes, or understand what opportunities exist beyond the booth, this episode gives you a real-world look at where welding can take you.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How Justin went from welding in a family shop to becoming a field application engineer at ESAB• Why the lack of a college degree became a challenge — and how experience, reputation, and networking helped him move forward• What simple shop issues cause the most welding problems, including liners, feedability, ground clamps, and overlooked consumables• Why auto-set machines and simplified welding technology can help shops but also leave welders without the fundamentals• How different regions of the U.S. offer different welding opportunities, from manufacturing and shipyards to pipe, tanks, heavy equipment, and structural workJustin LaFond is a field application engineer with ESAB who brings a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective from years in welding, fabrication, distribution, sales, and technical support. His background includes general fabrication, structural work, stainless, heavy equipment repair, cryogenic certifications, and years of helping welders and shops troubleshoot real problems in the field. His path is especially valuable for welders who want to understand how far the trade can take them without following a traditional college route.Connect with Justin LaFond:Instagram: @justin_esabTikTok: @justin.lafond7Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/AndroidIf this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #WeldingTips #WeldingEducation #WeldingTools #Fabrication

EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence.If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop.• Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid.• What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters.• How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template.• Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work.EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last appearance on WELD, she’s grown from preparing for a big career move to building her own fabrication style inside a high-level custom shop. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who are learning how to balance quality, speed, confidence, and pressure in a real shop environment.Sponsors:Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.orgConnect with EJ Naegeli:Instagram: @ej_was_here YouTube: @ej_was_here Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejnaegeli TikTok: @ej_was_here_Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store Android: Google PlayIf this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #Fabrication #MetalFab #WomenWhoWeld #CustomCars

Mini Mayhem brings out the kind of builds that show what welding is really good for: making weird ideas work, fixing what breaks, and learning by doing.If you’re a welder, fabricator, student, or garage builder looking for real-world inspiration beyond the booth, this episode shows how mini bikes, go-karts, electric builds, and trackside repairs can sharpen your skills.More about Mini MayhemMini Mayhem is a yearly event at Busco Beach where builders bring mini bikes, four-wheelers, dirt bikes, go-karts, electric machines, and homemade creations to ride, race, test, and break. John describes it as a free-for-all event built around camping, group rides, a drag strip takeover, night rides, and seeing what people built in the off-season.This episode features builders including Scuba Man, Brad from Big Nasty Bikes, Zach from Cars and Cameras, Brandon and Russ from Mini Metal Fab, and several other garage fabricators showing how welding connects directly to creativity, problem-solving, and motorsports.Special thanks to ESAB for making our repair station possible - https://esab.com/us Check Out The Builders We Talked WithBig Nasty Bikes - https://bignastybikes.com/ Rattle Can Customs - https://www.youtube.com/c/rattlecancustoms Rather B Welding - https://www.youtube.com/@ratherBweldingChris Chadbircated - https://www.youtube.com/@Chadbricated Mini Metal Fab - https://www.youtube.com/@MiniMetalFab CarsandCameras - https://www.youtube.com/@CarsandCameras Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review to help reach more welders looking to learn.#WeldingPodcast #minimayhem #minibike #gokart #fabrication

Tom Patsis turns old license plates, flywheels, camshafts, rims, and swap meet finds into custom trophies with real racing history built into every piece.If you’re a welder, fabricator, car builder, or creative maker trying to figure out how welding skills can lead to unique work, this episode shows what that process actually looks like.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How to spot parts at a swap meet that can become strong, eye-catching trophy pieces• Why Tom looks for weight, balance, color, and story when choosing materials for a custom build• How to negotiate with vendors without breaking the budget on specialty parts• What to consider when joining different metals and choosing the right welding process• How Tom built a trophy business from fabrication skills he developed in the racing worldTom Patsis is a trophy builder, fabricator, and the Season 1 winner of Metal Shop Masters on Netflix. His work blends welding, racing history, found objects, and custom fabrication into trophies shipped to customers around the world. For WELD listeners, Tom’s story is a reminder that welding skills can open doors far beyond a traditional shop job.Connect with Tom Patsis:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldhardart/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coldhardart Website: https://coldhardart.com/ Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review to help us inspire more welders out there.#WeldingPodcast #trophybuild #fabrication #WELD #coldhardart

Your first welding job might not be the cleanest, highest-paying, or most glamorous job, but it can teach you more than school ever could.If you’re fresh out of welding school, getting ready to apply, or trying to figure out how to land your first real welding job, this episode gives you real stories from welders who have been there.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How to get your foot in the door even when you don’t have years of welding experience yet• Why your first job may involve more grinding, helping, and learning than actual welding at first• What real welders learned after leaving school and stepping into shops, fabrication work, pressure vessels, aluminum, and field repairs• How taking a chance on the right opportunity can open jobs you didn’t even know were possible, including overseas welding work• Why finding the right people, mentors, and work environment can shape the direction of your welding careerThis episode brings together some of Beau’s favorite first welding job stories from past WELD Podcast guests, including Liv Taylor Dodge, Austin Hargett, Nate Bowman, Donny Spara, Korissa Morgan, Jonathon Herrera, EJ Naegeli, Brett Fenning, and Keenan Maines. Each story gives a different look at how welders get started, what they learn fast, and why the first job is often less about the paycheck and more about building experience, confidence, and direction.Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #WeldingEducation

Robotic welding is not replacing skilled welders, it is creating a new lane for welders who understand the puddle, the process, and how to work safely around automation.If you are a welder thinking about robotics, automation, or a career shift that builds on your hands-on welding skills, this episode shows what that path can actually look like.In this episode, you’ll learn:How GTCC’s new GMAW robotic welding course teaches students to program and operate Panasonic TM1100 robots with Miller Continuum weldersWhy robotic welding still depends on real welding knowledge, including parameters, puddle control, part prep, and knowing what a good weld should look likeWhat students learn first when stepping into robotics, from pendant controls and robot axes to home positions, approach points, and safe movement inside the cellHow proper fit-up, jigging, and part preparation can make or break production welding with a robotWhy safety, limiters, reamers, anti-spatter systems, and return-to-home programming matter before anyone starts chasing speed or production numbersZebidiah Downey is a welding instructor at GTCC and a pipe welder by background who is helping build the school’s robotic GMAW welding curriculum. He brings a hands-on welder’s perspective to automation, showing students that robotics is not about abandoning the trade, it is about applying welding fundamentals in a new environment. His approach keeps the focus on safety, skill, process knowledge, and helping welders become more marketable as the industry changes.Learn more about GTCC:Website: https://gtcc.edu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guilford_tech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTechCC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/guilfordtech/ X: https://x.com/_gtcc Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review, takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingJobs #WELD #WeldingEducation #WeldingSchool