WELDING PROVES TO BE EXCITING

By Andrew D. Combs

Reprinted from Spring 1998

As a former student, I am accepting this great opportunity to talk to many people through The World of Welding. Hopefully, this story will produce enthusiasm and interest toward the diversified field of welding.

In high school, I was involved in a metal shop that covered very basic welding. This class sparked my interest in the welding field. I continued my education at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. I began taking classes on January 31, 1994 and I completed my nine-month training on September 23, 1994. This program consisted of blueprint reading, pipe classes, and a majority of the flat plate classes that are offered.

Upon my graduation from Hobart, I entered into the broad field of welding and began my career at a small company called Visual Information Institute. This company specializes in precision sheet metal fabrication dealing exclusively with the gas tungsten arc welding process. They deal with a tolerance range from zero to plus/minus thirty thousandths. While employed there, I earned a certification in aluminum welding. The experience I gained from the company was fantastic! I gained valuable work experiences that I have been able to take with me no matter where I go. I gained 4,750 shop hours during my employment with Visual Information Institute, which ended on December 15, 1996.

I received a job offer from General Motors on December 3, 1996 and began my employment with General Motors on January 13, 1997, after passing a physical to check my employment eligibility. This is where I began my career as a maintenance welder.

I am presently working for Delphi Chassis, Needmore Road, Dayton Operations, where I am involved in a welding apprenticeship. This apprenticeship requires 7,398 hours on the clock, commonly referred to as "plant time", and 576 hours of schooling. During my schooling at the Hobart Institute, I acquired 1,133 hours of training. I was credited with 1,832 hours of "plant time" and 450 hours of schooling towards my apprenticeship, thanks to Visual Information Institute and the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. Adding that time to my already worked hours and previous schooling from General Motors, I have completed 4,140 hours of "plant time" and 548.6 hours of schooling. At this pace, I hope to complete my apprenticeship in 16 to 18 months. Upon completion, I will receive a journeyman's card in the welding field.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship at General Motors as a maintenance welder, which consists of repairs of cast iron, cast steel, stainless steel, mild steel, building steel, aluminum, and all types of tool steels.

Doing repairs, we also utilize a process called thermal spray welding. This process uses 40 different powders and each is chosen based on the type of material and the use of the part that is being repaired. All of these welding processes keep my career both interesting and challenging. This allows me to enjoy my work as I continue down the path of life I have chosen.

I appreciate the efforts of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology to expose people to opportunities in education. These endeavors have allowed me to succeed in my welding career. I hope my story will help people to see the need for quality individuals in the welding field and help them decide on the plans for their future. Work experience is a major benefit in helping yourself excel; however schooling is the first and foremost step. I would like to thank all the instructors and individuals at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology and the employees and management of Visual Information Institute. Their attitudes and knowledge made a difference in my career.

Finally, I wish everyone that goes into this wonderful and exciting field, good luck!