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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®. Videos about that collaboration can be found at www.MillerWelds.com/DynamicDig. 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

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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Colton Pfeil

Lead Instructor - 3rd Shift
Howdy! I am Colton Pfeil, Lead Instructor for 3rd Shift here at Western Welding Academy. How did I first get into welding? Well, my family had a body/mechanic shop and I wanted a chopper bicycle...
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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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Paul Smathers

Classroom Instructor - 3rd shift
Born and raised in Wyoming, I started welding at age 7. I grew up around welding. That's what inspired me to pursue this career.
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Connor Swaney

Instructor - 1st 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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Austin Swaney

Instructor - 3rd shift
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

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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Garret Tescher

Instructor - 2nd shift
I grew up on a ranch, and hobbies that I enjoy doing include riding horses, roping, camping, fishing, and spending time with my kids.
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Ronnie Levanen

Instructor - 3rd Shift
I started welding in high school in Battle Ground, WA. I enjoy fishing, hunting, and building aluminum boats. Pipe welding's challenge and skill set attracted me. Now, as an instructor at Western Weld
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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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Opportunities are Endless

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LEarn from the best. we offer several Pipe fitter & pipe welding course to help you get started.

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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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