Page 4 - HIWT Fall 2018 World of Welding

Successful Paradigms in Welding
By Janet Piechocki
Eric ODonnell and Micah Farmers careers started in the same
place but their friendship really began when they met in the
apprenticeship classes at UA Local 83 Plumbers & Steamftters
in Wheeling, WV. Since then, their careers have taken similar
but different paths in welding. After they graduated from Hobart
Institute of Welding Technology, the career possibilities were
endless but they both worked at their chosen paths to get to
where they are today.
Eric began his welding journey at Hobart Institute of Welding
Technology in August of 2004 and graduated in June of 2005. His
frst job in welding began with an excavating company before
joining the apprenticeship in 2006 at UA local 83. Eric diligently
worked his way through the ranks becoming a welding instructor.
Today Eric is the Training Director and Union President for the
Wheeling Local 83 Plumbers & Steamftters.
Micah, on the other hand, went a different route and stayed with the Local 83 apprenticeship for a couple months before leaving to
work for United Fabricating Inc. He then went to work as an instructor at Belmont Technical College in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Micah also
began attending West Liberty University and then went on to WVU Tech to earn a Regents Bachelor of Arts. In 2011, Micahs high school
teacher, Mr. Winters, contacted him to let him know he would be retiring soon and there would be a position open for a new welding
teacher. Mr. Winters encouraged Micah to apply and in 2012, Micah began his teaching position at Wheeling Park High School.
Today both men lead successful careers in their chosen trade. Their friendship is still very apparent and their connection to Hobart
Institute of Welding Technology still very much alive.

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2018 FALL ISSUE - 4 - www.welding.org