Page 21 - Hobart Institute of Welding - Fall 2020 World of Welding

Luke Bailey, CWI/CWE/SNT II, Testing Specialist, Bryce Obaugh, CWI/CWE, Skill Education Instructor,
Employed at HIWT since 2000 Employed at HIWT since 2005

Luke Bailey has been with HIWT for over 20 years, beginning Bryce has been with HIWT for nearly 16 years as a Skill Education
as a welding instructor and now as a testing specialist. Prior Instructor. He is a 2002 HIWT graduate in the Combination
to coming to HIWT Luke worked for a company who built Structural and Pipe Welding Program. Prior to coming to the
and serviced grain systems. Luke then decided he wanted Institute, Bryce was a Weld Technician in manufacturing on tooling
to get more into welding, so he attended HIWT as a student and design as well as a Robotic Technician. Bryce has been on
and completed the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding many teams at HIWT, most recently assisting in the development
program. After graduation, he was an application technician of new and upgraded course curriculum. He also works with the
for a large robotics company. What Luke likes about working Institute’s Corporate Services group teaching specialized and in-
in education is seeing the successes of some of his former plant training as needed. Bryce enjoys teaching various courses at
students and knowing that he may have played a very small role HIWT, as the different courses and different students each couple of
in guiding them in their careers. He enjoys his job as a Testing weeks keeps things fresh and exciting. He likes the consistency in
Specialist and says that it is rewarding to work with some very the delivery of the curriculum as this ensures students get the same
talented and intelligent people. He says if he could go back to education regardless of when or who is teaching the course. Bryce
the decision he made to enter the world of welding he would do enjoys getting to know his students and connecting with them on
it all again telling himself, “You are making the right choice”. their level, with each of their personalities taken into consideration.
The advice that Luke has to someone considering a career in He says this helps him motivate them and build their confidence
welding is: “Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at the start. in the ability to weld. Originally from the state of Virginia, when
Every expert was once a beginner. It is a rewarding career if you Bryce thinks back to the decision to get into welding, he is glad he
are willing to put the time in.” didn’t know he would eventually leave the state and his family for
a career in welding that lead to his career in education. However,
he is extremely thankful for the opportunity it has afforded him. He
has great satisfaction in being an educator and preparing students
for a career in welding while still being able to fully participate in
family activities. Bryce enjoys being able to support his children in
their extracurricular activities as well as having the opportunity to
Visit HIWT At: worship as a family and grow together in their faith. His advice to
those considering a career in welding is to surround yourself with
the best available sources and seek experience in some type of
hands on field if possible. He also encourages new students to be
open to different work locations after graduation. Opportunities
are available everywhere and students should explore them before
deciding where to settle down.

www.welding.org - 21 - 2020 FALL ISSUE
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