ALLEN BROCK LEARNS THAT HIWT
TRAINING WELL WORTH THE EFFORT

by Marty Baker 

Nearly three years ago, Allen Brock of Hamilton, Ohio, became a displaced worker after 21 years with the same company.  Allen had been MIG welding, but decided he could benefit from the retraining opportunity to expand his knowledge.

“It was the best thing I ever did!” says Allen.  “I only wish I would have taken the training when I was younger.”

After completing the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program at the Hobart Institute in April 2002, Allen quickly landed a job at a shipyard with a starting pay of $15.53 per hour.

“I am now making $16.40 per hour with all the overtime I care to work.  We get time and a half for working on Saturdays and double time for working on Sundays,” Allen explains.  “My Hobart training was quickly recognized.”

The shipyards do have further training and certification requirements beyond that offered at HIWT, but Allen’s training proved to be very beneficial as he passed the various structural welding tests.  Allan has been flux cored arc welding carbon steel, building bulkheads (inner walls) of a nuclear aircraft carrier, for a U.S. Navy contract. 

“It will take thousands of welders approximately five years to construct this carrier,” says Allen. 

“The shipyards can’t get enough welders,” Allen continues.  “The average age of those welding in the shipyards is 40.”

“I would recommend that the younger students adhere to strict attendance policies, maintain their determination to do good work, and be willing to relocate to obtain the best jobs,” Allen suggests. 

“The instructors at Hobart did an excellent job training me,” says Allen.  “I was very pleased with the schooling I received.  It certainly opened doors for me and enabled me to earn better wages.  It was definitely the best thing I’ve ever done!”