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 https://www.instagram.com/texaspipeliner35/

Liv Taylor Dodge

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/xXxAua15eYb

Instagram - @livtaylordodge https://www.instagram.com/livtaylordodge/

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com