391. They Can't Take My Education Away From Me w/ Josh O'Neal

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Josh O'Neal for a wide-ranging conversation on education, certification, and career development in the welding industry. Josh shares his journey through welding, inspection, and education, including his experiences pursuing credentials like CWI and CWE, navigating student loans and scholarships, and building quality systems that support AWS Accredited Testing Facilities. The discussion also dives into workforce development, credit-for-experience programs, and how industry certifications can translate into academic credit. Key topics include: Welding education pathways and career mobility AWS certifications, scholarships, and member involvement Quality Assurance Manuals and ATF setup Credit-by-exam and equivalency programs in education Balancing work, family, and professional growth Why education is something no one can take away from you This episode is a realistic look at the trade-offs, sacrifices, and long-term rewards of investing in your education and your career in welding.   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Inspection Expo and Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event.   Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods     Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch.   ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase