Globalization of markets and increasing regulations on industry were just two of the driving forces that prompted James P. Sucgang to begin searching for potential opportunities to obtain his welding inspector certification a few years ago.  While he located several test sites, Hobart Institute of Welding Technology was the location he selected based on the extensive two-week preparation course that is offered.     

James is president and owner of Pacific Welding Services in Guam.  Located approximately 3,300 miles West of Hawaii, 1,500 miles East of the Philippines and 1,550 miles South of Japan, the Island of Guam is the Western most territory of the United States and one of the leading tourist destinations in the Western Pacific.  Pacific Welding is a 15-year-old company specializing in ship repair and welding maintenance.  Some of the maintenance welding involves work for the transportation and the petroleum industries, as well as work on boilers, which is all intensely regulated and requires the authority of an American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).  

By profession, James is a naval architect and engineer.  He is trained as a skilled, certified welder for both surface and underwater work, is an AWS-CWI and is a licensed contractor in Guam.  Due to the remote location of Guam, James must stay competitive and the certification is important to him and to his company.

“The clear and concise instruction and professional support I have received from the staff of Hobart Institute is of great benefit to my company and to me,” says James.  “With the changing technology, it is valuable to know that Hobart Institute offers support to their alumni beyond the initial training and offers response to questions related to welding, even from my remote location.”  

James returned to the Hobart Institute in October to take the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Inspection Course. 

“Each time I take another course, it reinforces my confidence and enables me to share the knowledge with my 27 employees,” James continues.  “I am also reminded of the high-quality, professional staff of the Hobart Institute.  The training gives me a competitive edge.”   

In addition to operating his company, James also volunteers time in the Philippines speaking to young people and passing along the message that welding is a trade of which they can be proud.

“I tell them that there is more to welding than just working on their cars or on small projects.  I tell them about the Hobart Institute and explain that the welding trade offers great potential for those willing to be trained.”