WELDING EXPERIENCES IN NIGERIA

In certain parts of Nigeria, the desire and incentive to become a successful welder are often times hampered by one’s environment.  A young man named Jonathan overcame those odds and shares his experiences.

Jonathan, age 24, was born in a village and lost his father when he was merely six years old.  It was a struggle, but his mother managed to see that his education continued through secondary school.  Jonathan’s desire to learn more and obtain a better job led him to move to the city and reside with his cousin.  Jonathan’s cousin really felt he would be better served by becoming a doctor or a lawyer.  With other ideas in mind, Jonathan ultimately convinced his cousin that there was a need for welders. 

“Welding is the bedrock of engineering and without it there would be no cars, ships, aircraft, or even the common bicycles,” Jonathan explained. “The country of Nigeria needs welders to construct pipelines and tanks for oil and it can also be a self-employed business.”

Today, Jonathan holds a diploma in welding and fabrication engineering from the Petroleum Training Institute in Nigeria. 

“I am happy because that bad impression in the local people has been clearly washed out of their minds since they now see that welding is not for the illiterate as they originally thought.  Every young guy in my village wants to pursue higher education in welding.  Two more have just gained admission to the Petroleum Training Institute,” says Jonathan.    

“I obtained three months of paid training at the Naval Shipyard and also was with Willbros Nigeria Ltd. for one year of industrial training.  I hope to pursue further study in structural and pipeline welding at the Hobart Institute in the future.”