Page 3 - HIWT World of Welding Fall22 Winter23

Winter 2023
Why we are Unique II

Recently I came across an old article explaining why our
welding school is unique. It came across rather dated
and had some antiquated terminology, but as I read, it
resonated with me. I wanted to compare it with who
we are today. So, I had fun creating a “re-mix” of the
letter and realized that the core of learning to weld is the
same today as it was dating back to the 80’s, the 90’s and
before.
The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology has been
training students and enhancing welding skills for over 93 years. We are a single focus institute solely dedicated
to the art of welding and training the world’s best welders.
By Scott A. Mazzulla, President Based on the fact that we solely focus on welding, we can dedicate more hands-on time to the skill side of the
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
profession. Example: there are numerous schools in the U.S. that teach welding. However, they are required to
teach other skill courses. Most vocational schools and community colleges only provide entry level skills. Most
vocational schools and community colleges offer only one to four hours of hands-on training per day and in some
cases just two to three days per week. In fairness to these institutions, based on how they have to spend their budgets to cover other professional courses, it
is almost impossible to enhance and develop the skills needed for code welding. Welder success comes from an abundance of contact hours under the hood.
What’s the definition of abundance - a very large quantity of something and in our case, it’s hours of welding in the booth.
At Hobart Institute we provide seven hours per day of classes five days a week. In a seven-hour day, the student is in the welding lab under the supervision of
an instructor approximately 6 hours per day 5 days per week.
At the Institute, we prepare all metals for students on which to weld such as carbon steel plate, 2” pipe, 6” pipe, stainless steel plate and aluminum plate.
We do not limit the student to the number of pieces of plate or pipe they use. We will monitor to make sure they use all the material completely and recycle
accordingly.

We also provide additional services for our students. We are an approved Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) through the American Welding Society (AWS). This
means that we can certify our students to the AWS structural steel codes. Every student has an opportunity to earn multiple welder qualifications as part of
their education.
Having been in the profession for many years and dealing with young people, we know the key to developing
manipulative skills is to develop muscle memory. This is why we spend so much time repeating techniques with
the live arc.
We develop skills with each process of welding: GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SMAW and OAW. We also train each
process in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead) including restricted access.
We guide our students into a welding career pathway of choice that most interests them. They can follow
pathways to become a welder/fabricator, pipe welder, pipe fitter or downhill pipe welder, GTAW welder for
Aerospace and much more.
Welding demands the same dedication that a well-conditioned athlete would require, including a lot of practice.
We also develop weld training aides at the Institute which are used by hundreds of vocational schools and colleges
throughout the country and internationally.
In summary, being single focused makes us unique. If you want to purchase a car, you do not go to a computer
store. So, if you want to develop skills in machining, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, you must attend a school that
focuses on that trade specifically.

As a student of welding, always strive for that perfect weld. Then and only then will you become an artist through
the process of welding.

2022 FALL / 2023 WINTER ISSUE www.welding.org 3 RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS