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Behind The Hood: The Welding JourneyAuthor: Kentucky Welding Institute
Behind The Hood is a podcast that will help welders gain the confidence needed to forge a successful career. This podcast will feature interviews with welding experts, tips and advice in the welding industry, and inspiring stories from welders who have overcome challenges to find success. We hope that this podcast will provide you with the motivation and information you need to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to sharing the welding journey with you! Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Why He Left Community College for Welding School (And What Happened Next)
Episode 7
Sunday, 1 March, 2026
Austin Allwinger is a 2022 Kentucky Welding Institute graduate from Redmond, Oregon. He grew up farming and ranching, found welding at 14 years old, and has now spent 3 years on the road — living out of a camper, learning fast, and building a career that gives him freedom without wrecking his finances or his faith.In this episode, we get into:What it was like growing up in Central Oregon (and watching the town explode in growth)How he got started in welding when his high school didn’t even have a shop classWhy he wasn’t satisfied with community college training (and what he did about it)The reality of your first “road job” vs what recruiters tell youOutage work, long hours, and meeting other welders through connectionsLiving mobile in a camper and why buying a house right now doesn’t make sense for himThe money traps that keep welders broke (even when they make great checks)Faith on the road, staying disciplined, and avoiding the culture that ruins careersWhat separates welders who build a life vs welders who crash out










