Page 13 - HIWT Fall 2011 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

WeldinG Career ProVides staBilitY for faMilies

His welding career has provided steady work for him
throughout most of the U.S., from Florida nuclear plants
to pipelines in Alaska. It has given him the opportunity to
work in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, and other
countries.

A Korean War veteran, Jack Witter was married in New
Jersey in 1957 and, with his new bride, headed to Florida to
find work. He began an apprenticeship with the pipefitters
Local Union 630 and soon began working in nuclear plant
construction. Throughout the years, he became acquainted
with and worked with Bob Hight, a former welding instructor
with Hobart Brothers Company in Vero Beach, Florida, a
facility that has since been closed.

“Bob told me about the welding training that was offered Jack Witter with grandson, David Perrine
at Vero. In 1983, the economy was slowing down and
construction of nuclear facilites was coming to a standstill. Welding will also provide a more secure and lucrative job for

So, at age 50, I enrolled in MIG and TIG classes at Hobart David, who will be relocating his wife and three children to
and was fortunate to pass the first test I took to weld pipe,” Troy for the duration of his training. Currently, David has
said Jack. been working but needs further training to obtain a better job
to support his young family.
During his career, Jack welded many
various alloys in different locations and for
variety of industries to include maintenance
and repair of pipe in nuclear and sugar
refineries.

“I had an opportunity while I was working Our international
certifications
in California to weld 6-inch heavy wall qualify you to
stainless steel with TIG and 100% x-ray,” work worldwide
explained Jack. “I never failed an x-ray and year-round.
test, thanks to Hobart and a lot of practice.” Offshore diving
opportunities include the
Jack worked many times as a foreman on inspection, installation,
the job, as well as a welder. He “retired” and repair of offshore
in 1997, but hasn’t quit working. He oil drilling platforms
and pipelines.
continues to receive calls and now works
Inland opportunities
in mostly supervisory capacities. include construction,
repair and inspection
But the story doesn’t end here. Jack’s of bridges, water towers,
grandson, David Perrine, plans to attend the nuclear power facilities and
Combination Structural and Pipe Welding countless other infrastructure.
Program at Hobart Institute very soon.
Our graduates are
in high demand.
“In nine months at Hobart, he can get All training is conducted
what it would take him five years to learn in open water.
through the union apprenticeship due to the Financial aid
scheduling of their training,” said Jack. for those who qualify.
Use your VA benefits
with us.

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