Weld Wednesday with AWS | National Welding Month Special
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In this special National Welding Month edition of Weld Wednesdays with AWS, host Jason Becker explores the diverse career paths available to welders through three compelling guest interviews. First, pipeline welder Austin Ross shares the realities of life on the right-of-way, emphasizing the significant financial and logistical investments required, the importance of being a proactive helper, and the value of thinking ahead to stand out. Next, Richard Johnston from the Ocean Corporation reveals the truth behind underwater welding, clarifying it's just one component of a broader commercial diving career that includes underwater construction, inspection, and burning. He debunks myths about danger, highlighting rigorous training and safety protocols, and stresses that passion—not money—is the key to success. Finally, motorsports fabricator Brian Wills demonstrates how welding can build a full lifestyle, from designing and building his own drift race car to launching a drift go-kart business. His journey from welding school to competing in Formula Drift underscores the power of passion, persistence, and self-reliance. The episode concludes with a powerful message: welding is not a single career path but a foundation for countless possibilities across industries and lifestyles.
Pipeline welding requires significant personal investment in tools, vehicles, and living expenses—success comes from being proactive, thinking ahead, and having a strong work ethic.
Underwater welding is just one part of commercial diving; the field includes inspection, construction, and burning, and is far safer than commonly believed with proper training and mindset.
Welding can be the foundation of a full lifestyle career—like building and racing your own race car—when paired with passion, persistence, and hands-on creativity.
The most successful welders aren't just skilled—they're reliable, prepared, and always thinking ahead, whether on a pipeline, underwater, or in a race shop.
National Welding Month celebrates 30 years of promoting the trade and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in welding and fabrication.
Welcome to National Welding Month Special
Host Jason Becker introduces the special National Welding Month episode, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the observance and highlighting its mission to promote welding careers in infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation. He outlines the episode's focus on three distinct welding careers: pipeline, underwater, and motorsports fabrication.
Austin Ross: The Realities of Pipeline Welding
“If you debilitate your welder, you'll get called back every single time. You won't have to look for work.”
Richard Johnston: Underwater Welding & Commercial Diving
“It doesn't cut your life short. I call it your dive expectancy, not your life expectancy.”
Brian Wills: Building a Career from the Ground Up
“If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.”
Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
Jason Becker wraps up the episode by reinforcing the message that welding is not a single career path but a foundation for countless opportunities. He encourages listeners to research welding schools, connect with professionals, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in the trade.
“It doesn't cut your life short. I call it your dive expectancy, not your life expectancy.”
“If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.”
“If you debilitate your welder, you'll get called back every single time. You won't have to look for work.”
Host
Guests
Richard Johnston
person
Brian Wills
person
Austin Ross
person
Jason Becker
person
Ocean Corporation
organization
Pipeliners Union No. 798
organization
Nasty Habit Motorsports
organization
American Welding Society
organization
A. Ross Welding
brand
OceanCorp.com
product
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