Accelerate Magazine January 2022

WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG Tell us a little bit about yourself. I began welding through classes at my high school. My junior year, I began working at Weldall as a general laborer through the youth apprenticeship program. I continued my welding education through the Dual Enrollment academy at WCTC in 2018. After finishing my education, I began welding full-time for Weldall in 2020. Welding began as a hobby for me and I love that I am able to make a career out of it. In my free time, I’m usually out fishing, hunting, or enjoying the outdoors. Why did you decide to get involved with the trades? During my sophomore year of high school, I learned to weld. After I learned about the high demand for welders, I decided to look into careers in the trades. I also liked the idea of a job that didn’t require extensive schooling, which allowed me to begin working right away. What led you to your current career path? I have worked with metal through casting, blacksmithing, heat treating and welding for most of my life, and I have always enjoyed making projects at home. When I learned that I could make a career out of my hobby, I knew I wanted to find a job in welding. I especially enjoy that Weldall allows me to have a variety of work each week and has allowed me to learn and grow in the four years that I’ve been employed. What is the hardest part about being in the trades? Working with such a broad range of personalities and skill levels is always a challenge. I’ve learned to work as a team with people that all have different skill sets and ideas. While teamwork is one of my better skills now, it began as a challenge when I was still new to the job. What’s your favorite part about your job? I really enjoy how challenging my job can be. I’m given a variety of jobs day-to-day, and some require me to learn new things and find new ways to solve problems. It is a job that allows me to grow and get better at what I’m doing. I also appreciate that hard work is acknowledged and rewarded. What would you say to someone who wants to get involved in the trades? I think that one of the most important things is to be willing to learn. If you are willing to listen to instruction and are motivated to try new things and learn new skills, you will excel in any trade. Where do you see yourself going in the future? I hope to progress in my career at Weldall. I enjoy my current job, but I am always looking for a challenge and I would like to move forward and grow in the company in the future. • COLIN LAMPING Welder, Weldall Manufacturing, Inc. SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRADES 24