Some Of The Best Welding Education Advice We've Gotten... So Far

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Mark Levin, Nate Bowman, Jason Becker, Adam Stretch, Justin Nixon, and Austin Hargit about welding education that matches today’s work, how accredited testing actually runs, and practical technique myths, so you can pass tests, pick the right training path, and build a career you’re proud of.Key Topics CoveredApprenticeship that pays: Why Welder Underground hires 18–28-year-olds at $15/hr to learn and how “show up on time + bring enthusiasm” beats prerequisites.Realities of training: Traditional school vs. modern apprenticeship; teaching through a live 18-ft sculpture build bound for Paris.“Teach for the job”: Why MIG dominates entry-level work and how to prepare for it without ditching stick/TIG fundamentals.Test day without panic: What hold points are, why skipping one is an automatic fail, and how an ATF routes your test.Certificate vs. certification: What actually counts in industry and the paperwork/logistics behind true certs.Technique myths with evidence: Push vs. drag (short-circuit vs. spray), polarity (DC+ vs. DC−) explained in plain language.Flux-core with shielding gas: Why it can look good yet break brittle—what’s happening in the flux chemistry.Inspection mindset: Basing welds on data and repeatability “10 times out of 10,” not opinions.Career ladders: From welder to CWI/SCWI, plus where NDT and phased-array UT fit.Social media as a help line: Getting accurate guidance vs. filtered hype; how to vet advice.Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcGuests’ Content & ContactMarc LevinFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/b9USCroNxYb Instagram - @welderundergound https://www.instagram.com/welderunderground/ Nate BowmanFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Fm1dGXvNxYb Instagram -  @weldscientist https://www.instagram.com/weldscientist/ Jason BeckerFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YZs86gBNxYb ​Instagram: @arcjunkiespodcast https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast/ Adam StreichFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/SjMHDYGNxYb Instagram - @akstreich https://www.instagram.com/akstreich/ Justin MixonFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VEG22HKNxYb Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/ Austin HargettFull EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/UCaeIVQNxYb Instagram - @dr.weldz https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/ Connect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]