who we are

At WWA we have the most elite, highest skilled welders in the world teaching students how to weld pipe. Western Welding Academy puts in the work with you to maximize your potential out in the field, and be a successful welder.
Tyler Sasse, owner and founder of Western Welding Academy and our lead instructor

Meet Tyler Sasse

Tyler Sasse is the owner and founder of Western Welding Academy and our lead instructor. His well-earned nationwide reputation is one of quality and knowledge.

He holds American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and many other welding certifications. Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, invited Sasse to provide input into development of the new Dynamic DIG™ software for the Big Blue® 400 PipePro®. His ability to lead and manage people allowed him to be involved in some of the country’s largest construction projects.

The best of the best

Our instructors

Matthew Hahn

1st Shift Instructor (TC1)
Western Welding Academy pipe welding instructor focused on hands on training and helping students build real skills in the booth.
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Chris Fink

1st Shift Lead Instructor - TC2
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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John Parks

Director of Instruction
With around 6 years of professional welding experience and several more years of welding on the side, most of my background comes from working on everything from structural I-beams to pipe.
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James “Ja” Packard II

2nd Shift Coordinator
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.
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Nate Farnsworth

2nd Shift Lead Instructor - TC1
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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Lance Whisenant

2nd Shift Instructor - TC1
I first discovered welding during Ag Class in high school. I’ve always enjoyed building things, and this craft has become my passion.
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David Zajac

1st Shift Classroom Instructor
My journey into welding was driven by my quest for knowledge and excellence, which led me to explore Stick, Tig, and Mig welding. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the growth of my students.
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Glenn Ogden

1st Shift Classroom Instructor
Before I came to Western Welding Academy, I had worked on industrial construction for about 24 years helping build power plants, refineries, compressor units, and all kinds of stuff all over the west.
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Joe Stockdale

2nd Shift Classroom Instructor
I have over 35 years of experience in the field that’s taken me from the Navy to working for my own company, and now to teach the next generation of welders.
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Opportunities are Endless

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Why Western Welding Academy

Western Welding Academy exists for one reason: to build welders who are ready to work on day one. Every program is designed around what employers actually need on the jobsite. Students train on real pipe and structural steel with instructors who have done the work themselves for decades.

The numbers tell the story. Over 2,000 graduates have come through Western Welding Academy. 94% are hired within 90 days, based on a 234-alumni survey conducted in November 2024. The school is the number one AWS Accredited Testing Facility in the nation, and graduates earn an average tuition payback in 5 to 7 months.

Western Welding Academy is located in Gillette, Wyoming. Students come from across the country to train here because no other school offers this combination of booth time, instructor experience, and career outcomes. If you want to see it for yourself, call (307) 284-5313 to schedule a tour or apply online today.

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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