Instructors

Austin Swaney

I got into welding after my brother came back from North Dakota with more money than I’d ever heard of! I was an after school welder’s helper and tested for my first pipe certification at age 17.

I have 7 years experience in prefab pipe pressure vessels and power plant shutdowns. I love my job because I get to help people get the chance that I got when I first got into welding.

Nate Ponder

Instructor/Owner
I was intrigued by welding as a kid and it always fascinated me. I thought it would be something I would enjoy doing as a profession so I took a welding class in high school and after graduation I...
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Carl Burrow

Lead Instructor - 1st shift
I first got into welding because my dad was a welder so I started at a young age. I wanted to become a welder because I enjoy the freedom that being a welder gives me, and it's great money...
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James “Ja” Packard II

Lead Instructor - 2nd Shift, CWI, CWE
I got into welding in high school when a friend of mine who was a couple years older graduated and went to work as a welder. When he showed me his paycheck I was hooked. I have 25 years experience...
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Ronald Maul

Classroom Instructor - 2nd shift
I have been welding since I was 14 years old. I have experience with Stick, TIG, MIG, structural steel, pipe welding, and fabrication structural and design.
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Connor Swaney

Instructor - 3rd Shift
I wanted to become a welder because the group of friends I was involved with were welders and they made it look fun. Some of my family members worked for a welding company and I was able to get a...
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Chris Fink

Instructor - 1st shift
I started welding with my father as a kid, and my interest in the welding industry took off when we turned a totaled truck into a showpiece.
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CJ Howard

Instructor - 1st Shift
My high school welding program got me started in my career. I had an awesome instructor that I still talk to today. I used to watch my Dad welding on farm equipment when I was a kid and I thought...
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Joe Scallen

Instructor - 2nd shift
My journey into welding began as a result of a slight career accident.
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Christian Archuleta

Classroom Instructor - 3rd Shift
My journey into welding began at the age of 9 when my Grandfather, who worked in the oilfield, brought home a broken welding machine.
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David Messick

Instructor - 2nd shift
I started as a helper in a fab shop and found myself picking up on welding.
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Mike DiRocco

Instructor - 3rd shift
I was recruited by Tidewater Tech in VA Beach, VA, after my military service, seeking to learn a trade.
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Chase Syvrud-Peters

Instructor - 3rd shift
I was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas. Hobbies I enjoy doing on my spare time include hunting and fishing, and I enjoy learning new things.
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Bill Widrig

Classroom Instructor - 1st shift
I started welding in High School and wasn’t a huge fan at first. However, “I was told once that I would never be a welder, and I was determined to prove that statement wrong”.
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Brandon Joaquin

2nd Shift Instructor
I'm Brandon Joaquin, proudly representing South Lyon, Michigan. Welding and working on cars have always been my passions.
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Nate Farnsworth

2nd Shift Instructor
I'm Nate Farnsworth, originally from Buffalo, Wyoming. When I'm not welding, you'll find me indulging in my hobbies, which include building things, hiking, camping, and serving as a Boy Scout leader.
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Welcome to Western Welding Academy

Western Welding Academy is the only pipe welding school in the country that is solely owned and operated by real pipeline/pipe welders. At WWA we have the most elite, highest skilled welders in the world teaching students how to weld pipe.

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