EPISODE · May 13, 2026 · 40 MIN
Challenging the Welding Industry
from No Shortcuts by OWETEC · host Ziad Bedran and Nicholas McMillen
What if the most overlooked trade in America is actually one of the most versatile paths to personal and professional freedom?Can a mechanical engineer and a seasoned welder bridge the gap between corporate strategy and the reality of the workshop floor?How do we challenge an industry plagued by myths and a massive labor shortage without taking the easy way out?Welcome to "No Shortcuts" by OWETEC, where we dive deep into the conversations that challenge the welding industry. 🌟 In this inaugural episode of No Shortcuts, founders Ziad Bedran and Nicholas McMillen join host Chelsey Dalzell to pull back the curtain on the founding of OWETEC.They discuss the "no shortcuts" philosophy that defines their training and business model, challenging the welding industry to return to standards of excellence. From the corporate halls to the gritty reality of shipyard welding, this conversation explores why the trade is an art form and how mentorship can change a life. Whether you are a veteran welder or just curious about the trades, this conversation invites you to look at welding through a completely different lens. As Nick says, "It's about getting back to the weeds of how it actually came to be."In this Episode: The Genesis of OWETEC: Ziad and Nick, moving from corporate engineering to identifying a massive, unaddressed niche for high-level technical training and support. Bridging the Gap: Why OWETEC was created to fill a specific training niche that even major corporations weren't addressing. The Skilled Trade Crisis: Unpacking the reality of the 375,000-welder labor shortage and why the aging workforce makes this a matter of national security. Welding as Art: Challenging the "dirty job" stigma by exploring the hand-eye coordination and mental presence required for nuclear-level pipe welding and aerospace work. Mentorship and Legacy: The importance of leaving the industry better than you found it through genuine guidance. Resources MentionedOWETEC Services: https://www.owetecllc.com/About the FoundersZiad BedranZiad is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience in various engineering roles. He founded OWETEC to fill a gap in the welding industry by providing specialized training and support to professionals in the field.Nicholas McMillenNicholas began his welding career at a vocational high school and has worked for renowned companies like Lincoln Electric and Newport News Shipbuilding. His passion for welding and commitment to excellence led him to co-found OWETEC.About OWETECOWETEC is a trusted leader in welding education, training and consulting, serving industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable. From the semiconductor and aerospace sectors to biopharmaceutical, oil & gas, nuclear, and food & beverage, we empower professionals and organizations to master advanced welding technologies, optimize processes, and achieve global certification standards.OWETEC is on a mission to transform the welding industry through innovative training and support. By challenging the norms and focusing on quality, Ziad and Nick are paving the way for future generations of welders.Want to learn more? Check out the full podcast episode and discover how OWETEC is changing the landscape of welding training.
What this episode covers
What if the most overlooked trade in America is actually one of the most versatile paths to personal and professional freedom?Can a mechanical engineer and a seasoned welder bridge the gap between corporate strategy and the reality of the workshop floor?How do we challenge an industry plagued by myths and a massive labor shortage without taking the easy way out?Welcome to "No Shortcuts" by OWETEC, where we dive deep into the conversations that challenge the welding industry. 🌟 In this inaugural episode of No Shortcuts, founders Ziad Bedran and Nicholas McMillen join host Chelsey Dalzell to pull back the curtain on the founding of OWETEC.They discuss the "no shortcuts" philosophy that defines their training and business model, challenging the welding industry to return to standards of excellence. From the corporate halls to the gritty reality of shipyard welding, this conversation explores why the trade is an art form and how mentorship can change a life. Whether you are a veteran welder or just curious about the trades, this conversation invites you to look at welding through a completely different lens. As Nick says, "It's about getting back to the weeds of how it actually came to be."In this Episode: The Genesis of OWETEC: Ziad and Nick, moving from corporate engineering to identifying a massive, unaddressed niche for high-level technical training and support. Bridging the Gap: Why OWETEC was created to fill a specific training niche that even major corporations weren't addressing. The Skilled Trade Crisis: Unpacking the reality of the 375,000-welder labor shortage and why the aging workforce makes this a matter of national security. Welding as Art: Challenging the "dirty job" stigma by exploring the hand-eye coordination and mental presence required for nuclear-level pipe welding and aerospace work. Mentorship and Legacy: The importance of leaving the industry better than you found it through genuine guidance. Resources MentionedOWETEC Services: https://www.owetecllc.com/About the FoundersZiad BedranZiad is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience in various engineering roles. He founded OWETEC to fill a gap in the welding industry by providing specialized training and support to professionals in the field.Nicholas McMillenNicholas began his welding career at a vocational high school and has worked for renowned companies like Lincoln Electric and Newport News Shipbuilding. His passion for welding and commitment to excellence led him to co-found OWETEC.About OWETECOWETEC is a trusted leader in welding education, training and consulting, serving industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable. From the semiconductor and aerospace sectors to biopharmaceutical, oil & gas, nuclear, and food & beverage, we empower professionals and organizations to master advanced welding technologies, optimize processes, and achieve global certification standards.OWETEC is on a mission to transform the welding industry through innovative training and support. By challenging the norms and focusing on quality, Ziad and Nick are paving the way for future generations of welders.Want to learn more? Check out the full podcast episode and discover how OWETEC is changing the landscape of welding training.
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Challenging the Welding Industry
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