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.

Meet NATE PONDER

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 attended a trade school similar to Western Welding Academy but I didn’t get any one on one time or enough booth time, so I was basically self-taught. 

In the spring of 2007 I went straight into my pipe welding career. Over the last 15 years I have welded in just about every type of plant with the exception of nuclear power houses.‍In my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, working on old trucks, and spending time with family.

What I love most about teaching here at Western Welding Academy is seeing the progression with the students who have never welded before. The look on their faces when they lay a slick weld because of what I had just taught them is really gratifying.‍

Tyler Sasse, owner and founder of Western Welding Academy and our lead instructor

The best of the best

Our instructors

Matthew Hahn

1st Shift Instructor (TC1)
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Austin Swaney

1st Shift Coordinator
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.
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CJ Howard

1st Shift Lead Instructor - TC1
My high school welding program got me started in my career. I had an awesome instructor that I still talk to today. I have 13 years of experience, with most of it in pipeline welding.
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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

1st Shift Instructor - TC1
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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Connor Swaney

1st Shift Instructor - TC1
I wanted to become a welder because the group of friends I was involved with were welders and they made it look fun. I welded in the field for 5 years before coming to Western Welding Academy.
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James Lee

1st Shift Instructor - TC1
I was introduced to welding at the age of 10 and that early start sparked a lifelong passion. I chose to pursue welding not just because I love the craft, but to provide a better life for my family.
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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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Chase Peters

2nd Shift Lead Instructor - TC2
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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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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Opportunities are Endless

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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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