Welding the American Dream: How John King Built Success Without College or Connections

Welding careers, skilled trades, and welding apprenticeship programs take center stage as Andrew Brown sits down with John King of JK Welding at the FABTECH welding expo.

Host Andrew Brown explores how welding careers grow through passion, not just pay, and why Skilled Trades like construction, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry remain the backbone of the Trades Industry. From welding apprenticeship programs to pipeline welding jobs, John King shares his real-world lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.

If you’re curious about trades careers, the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, or how to scale a fabrication business like JK Welding, this episode delivers practical guidance for aspiring industry experts, contractors, and hands-on creators.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) – Welding Careers & Passion: Why passion fuels long-term success in the Skilled Trades and welding careers more than money ever could.
• (07:45) – Gen Z & Apprenticeship Programs: How to build a stronger welding apprenticeship pipeline and inspire new tradespeople through education.
• (16:20) – Is Welding a Dying Trade?: The truth about the Trades Industry shortage and how pipeline welding jobs offer growth opportunities.
• (24:05) – From Welder to Entrepreneur: John King on building JK Welding, scaling with craftsmanship, and leading skilled contractors.
• (33:10) – Career Growth Paths: How trades careers in construction, millwrighting, and electricians compare to pipeline welding jobs for earning potential.
• (42:30) – Skilled Trades Advocacy: How the Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Toolfetch, and industry experts strengthen education across the trades.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

● Welding careers begin with passion. The most successful tradespeople master craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity before chasing paychecks.

● Welding apprenticeship programs are the cornerstone of education in the Trades Industry, helping Gen Z build lifelong trades careers.

● Pipeline welding jobs and field work can lead to six-figure incomes—but balance matters for family life and stability.

● Collaboration among industry experts, contractors, Toolfetch, and the Skilled Trades Advisory Council drives advocacy and long-term sustainability for the Skilled Trades.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John King, founder and CEO of JK Welding, transformed his love for welding into one of Texas’s leading fabrication shops. A self-taught entrepreneur, John built his company on craftsmanship, problem-solving, and mentorship—helping grow welding apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople. His leadership in the Trades Industry has made him a respected voice for education, advocacy, and Skilled Trades innovation showcased at the FABTECH welding expo.

Keywords

Welding Careers, Skilled Trades, Welding Apprenticeship, Pipeline Welding Jobs, FABTECH Welding Expo, Trades Industry, Construction, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Contractors, Industry Experts, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Education, Advocacy

Resource Links:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-king-15675117/

Website: https://jkwelding.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding/

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