In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with pipeline, shop, union, rig, and underwater welders about getting started, choosing a path, managing money, and building a reputation that keeps you working.
Key Topics Covered
- Pipeline reality for new grads, why most start as helpers, and how prior plant work translates to the right-of-way
- Shop welding as a launch pad, learning MIG aluminum at night, and stacking TIG reps until it clicks
- Union entry routes, testing in late, and navigating attitudes when you do not start at Year 1
- Rig welder vs single-hand: what the truck changes about pay, expectations, alloys, and accountability
- Underwater work safety, crew size, comms with cranes, tables, and why diver discipline matters
- Money talk without the fluff: per diem, overtime, and avoiding debt on lift kits and rims
- Networking that works: texts, referrals, timing, and demonstrating value before the test
- Parenting and welding paths: why some stick to shops, shipyards, or offshore rotation for balance
Memorable Quotes
- “All you got is your name. Everything you do affects the work you are going to get.” — Joel Welch
- “I burned through pallets of aluminum wire and TIG’d couplings all day until it clicked.” — Keenan Maines
- “People are going to have a problem when you test in late. Prove what you can do and keep it moving.” — Laura King
- “Commercial diving is safe when you respect the procedure. Most problems start with the diver.” — Jordan Moreno
- “The machine does not start until 400 dollars.” — Kenny Stu
- “If I cannot afford to buy two, I cannot afford to buy one.” — Hunter Wilson
- “Overtime and per diem are the math behind ‘welders make money’.” — Liv Taylor Dodge
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Guests’ Content & Contact
Joel Welch
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZVKXL0w5eYb
Instagram - @welchwelding https://www.instagram.com/welchwelding/
Keenan Maines
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AZ5msfE5eYb
Instagram - @metalsmasherart https://www.instagram.com/metalsmasherart/
Stan Sherwin
Full EP -https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8OTdMaF5eYb
Instagram: @ss_custom_welding https://www.instagram.com/ss_custom_welding/
Laura King
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LEpJGFG5eYb
Instagram - @lauraxking https://www.instagram.com/lauraxking/
Jordan Moreno
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OsB9IRM5eYb
Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/
Jonathon Herrera
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZGfRkNN5eYb
Instagram - @jonathon_herrera23 https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_herrera23/
Kenny Stewart
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/yYzZlbS5eYb
Instagram - @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/
Hunter Wilson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5Y7wLXV5eYb
Instagram - @texaspipeliner35
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