Behind The Hood: The Welding Journey

85 Episodes

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036 - 3 ESSENTIALS For Your 1st Welding Job

2023-01-1102:26

Ashley and Keegan talk about 3 important essentials that you will want to bring with you on your first job when breaking into the welding industry. Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 To learn more about our programs, visit: kwi.us/programs FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute Show less

027 - Refinery Work or Pipelining? 2 Pro Welders Talk Pro's & Con's

2022-11-1524:18

Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

026 - Stick OR Tig?! Which One You Should Learn?

2022-11-1103:27

Blake and Eli talk about Stick and Tig welding and what you should know as a new welder deciding on which path to take in your career Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

024 - Learn how you can earn Flux Core Certification in just 2 DAYS?

2022-11-0220:44

Ashley sits down with Darren Arrasmith and talks all things hard work, and how Darren broke the flux core record his first week at KWI. Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

023 - How Ian Learned To Weld With 0 Experience

2022-10-2904:06

Lead Instructor Ashley Applegate sits down with KWI Graduate Ian to talk about why he chose KWI and how he was able to succeed in the program. Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

022 - How I Graduated in LESS than 6 Months!

2022-10-2609:42

This week Adam sits down with KWI Graduate Austin to discuss his work ethic and how he set himself up for success. Looking to gain the confidence and certifications you need to forge a successful welding career? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

From $15 an Hour to Financial Freedom

2025-12-2101:29:09

In this episode of the KWI Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Lacey, a 2018 Kentucky Welding Institute graduate who traveled from Rome, New York to Kentucky chasing something bigger than a paycheck. Dylan opens up about his journey—from growing up around hard farm work, struggling with discipline and direction as a teenager, working long hours for limited pay, and ultimately making the decision to bet on himself and attend KWI. What followed was a transformation built on work ethic, humility, faith, and relentless consistency. This conversation goes far beyond welding. It’s about earning your sleep, choosing discipline over comfort, and building a life with purpose—on and off the jobsite. Whether you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, currently in welding school, or already in the field, this episode delivers real-world perspective from someone who lived it.

Welding After the Air Force

2025-12-0501:05:05

In this episode of the Kentucky Welding Institute: Behind the Hood, with the Grads, as we sit down with Andreas Kariotis, a man with a remarkable journey from the Air Force to becoming a skilled welder. Born and raised in New Gloucester, Maine, Andreas shares his experiences growing up in a close-knit community, his time serving in the Air Force, and the transition to a new career in welding. Discover the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, and gain insights into the world of welding and the importance of perseverance. Whether you're interested in welding, military life, or personal growth, this episode offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on Andreas's inspiring story!

First Female on the 100K Wall: Rhiannon Howard’s Story from Welder to Business Owner

2025-11-2301:03:40

Graduate Rhiannon Howard joins us to share her journey with welding and her experience in the field. Rhiannon was the first female on the KWI 100K Wall — and now she turned her welding career into her own business, Double L Metal Works. Rhiannon talks about hitting the road after graduation, the skills she built along the way, and how those same skills now fuel her custom metalwork, from jewelry to handcrafted belt buckles. https://www.doublelmetalworks.com/

With the Grads: Grossing $3,950/Week at 18 Years Old

2025-11-1623:44

Recent KWI graduate, Landon Earlywine, is on his first job in Logansport, Indiana — already grossing $3,950 a week in a local fab shop. In this episode, Bobby and Landon dive into his welding journey, what the transition from school to the field has looked like, his current setup in Indiana, and where he plans to take his career next.

79 - This Welder Made $100K+ Right After School!

2025-03-1101:25:44

We talk to Braden, a welder who made over $100K right after welding school. Learn about his journey and success in the welding industry!Watch Braden and I tackle a monster coupon. We discuss everything from welding techniques, career experiences, and challenges faced on the job, to insights on how to save and invest wisely as a young welder. Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcastVisit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtubeTEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787

80 - A Female Welder's Journey to Six Figures in 1 year – Behind The Hood

2025-03-1101:13:13

Shelby shares her journey from high school to six figures welding..Watch as we tackle a monster coupon while Shelby shares her journey from high school welding to making $100K in her first year after KWI. Learn about life on night shift, stainless vs. carbon welding preferences, and valuable industry insights for new welders.Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcastVisit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtubeTEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787

78 - How to Build Your IDEAL Welding Career!

2023-06-2209:04

We are joined by Scott and Tyler from the United Association of Pipefitters. They discuss the various opportunities available for welders and how they can take control of their careers. The United Association represents plumbers, pipefitters, and welders, and offers them the flexibility to work across different states. They also talk about the massive demand for skilled workers in various industries and the benefits of joining their organization. 77 Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

77 - What you SHOULDN'T Do As New Welder!

2023-06-2203:12

Ashley discusses the common mistakes that young welders make when they are starting their careers and trying to network in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of not misrepresenting oneself or one's skills, not being arrogant, continuously learning, and being punctual. 77 Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

76 - How This Welder Built His Successful Welding Career

2023-06-1914:25

Ashley sits down with KWI Graduate and instructor Austin Arnett to talk about his journey in the welding Industry. TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 To learn more about our programs, visit: kwi.us/programs STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

75 - How Welders Get Jobs After Weld School

2023-06-1514:25

Ashley sits down with KWI Graduate and now instructor to talk about opportunities he has had since being at KWI TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 To learn more about our programs, visit: kwi.us/programs STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

74 - Golden Opportunity For Welders!

2023-06-0110:36

Ashley sits down with Monty and Jeffery who work for the Boilermakers Organization to talk about all the opportunities they offer young welders coming out of Weld School. TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR: https://kwi.us/virtual-tour TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 To learn more about our programs, visit: kwi.us/programs STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckywel... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldi... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeld... Twitter: https://twitter.com/KYWeldInstitute

73 - Why Certifications Will LEVEL UP Your Welding Career

2023-05-2204:55

Qualifications and Certifications mean different things in the welding world and who you get them from matters even more. Today KWI's Lead Instructor Ashley Applegate shares the differences and benefits of Qualifications and Certifications Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

72 - What It's Like Switching Careers After 25+ Years | Father Son Welding Duo

2023-05-1807:46

Ashley sits down with KWI Graduate Grayson Dales to talk about the unique experience he's had working with his dad. Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

71 - The One KEY That Will Take Your Welding Skills To The Next Level.

2023-05-1503:54

KWI's Lead Instructor Ashley Applegate shares what high school students with welding experience can do to be even more prepared for welding school as well as advice for future students who may have little to no experience and how they can set themselves up for success when training to become a welder. Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787 FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists STAY CONNECTED:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

#box-pro-ellipsis-17670460394020{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Behind The Hood: The Welding Journey