Western Welding Academy is a Wyoming success story

The welding industry is projected to face a shortage of approximately 360,000 welders by 2027. 

Between 2023-27, an estimated 90,000 welding jobs will need to be filled annually due to industry growth and retirements, as reported by the American Welding Society.

In response to this challenge, Western Welding Academy (WWA) Chief Executive Officer and Founder Tyler Sasse, along with his leadership team, is taking proactive steps. 

Sasse has built a nationwide reputation for his expertise and quality of work and established WWA in 2019, recognizing the urgent need for skilled welders across the country.

Today, WWA employs 68 full-time employees, approximately 20 full-time instructors and has graduated 1,200-plus students at the Gillette facility.

Breann Clemetson, the chief of staff at WWA, has been with the organization for the past four years and emphasized, “We are striving to meet the nation’s needs by graduating skilled welders weekly from our program. We focus on three principles – work ethic, accountability and integrity.” 

WWA employs elite, highly-skilled welders who teach students how to weld pipes. The instructors are dedicated to working closely with students to help them reach their full potential and achieve success in the field. 

WWA’s Vice President of Marketing Colton Pfeil added, “WWA is truly unique because all of us have extensive experience in welding or have worked in the welding industry.” 

WWA is committed to cultivating the next generation of welders and is focused on revitalizing the trade industry, which has experienced decline.

“The academy has welcomed students from all 50 states,” Pfeil mentioned. “This influx of students moving to Gillette brings money into the community while students work and live there.”

WWA program

WWA is a state-certified school offering a comprehensive curriculum led by experienced instructors, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. 

“Our welding courses deliver top-quality guidance and invaluable insights from instructors who possess extensive knowledge and practical experience,” Pfeil noted. 

WWA’s 24-week, 960-hour welding course is designed to meet industry standards, ensuring students develop the skills necessary to address the challenges of pipe welding across various sectors, including construction and manufacturing.

Clemetson remarked, “WWA starts a new program every three weeks and students can complete the program in four to six months, as students progress at their own pace.”

Whether a student is a beginner eager to enter the welding industry or an experienced professional aiming to enhance their skills, WWA provides a transformative learning experience which opens the door to exciting career opportunities. 

Additionally, last year, WWA started offering student housing at its privately-owned Western Lodging community, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from campus.

WWA is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and career goals and their student selection advisors provide a comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and funding opportunities specifically designed to support students pursuing careers in skilled trades.

“We have a wide range of student placements. They go on to work at power plants, computer chip manufacturing plants, dairies, breweries, refineries, National Aeronautics Space Administration, SpaceX and more,” stated Pfeil.

WWA events

The academy adopted a distinctive approach to marketing and recruitment and maintains an active presence on social media, but places a strong emphasis on face-to-face events. 

One of its key initiatives is the annual Blue Collar Tour. During the tour, WWA staff travel across the country on a bus, stopping at high schools to engage with students about their experiences with the academy. 

This tour serves to spark interest in the trade industries among high school students – fields which have seen a decline in engagement.

WWA is creating a unique experience which has never been offered by a trade school before. 

The tour visits approximately 30 schools in 60 days to inspire the next generation of workers by conducting live welding demonstrations, hosting meet-and-greet sessions to answer questions and providing excellent giveaways. 

“We have fantastic sponsors who enable us to promote WWA through various events,” WWA stated.

In addition, WWA awards thousands of dollars in scholarships, merchandise and prizes at its annual welding competition, held the first Saturday in May, where high school contestants and vendors from across the country come together for an exciting event.

The annual event provides opportunities for attendees to connect with industry experts, employers and vendors. 

“Last year, WWA hosted its fourth annual welding competition, which attracted over 1,000 attendees. The top-placing high school student received a full tuition scholarship, excluding housing costs,” WWA stated.

WWA is dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled craftsmen by prioritizing exceptional outcomes for welding students and is committed to forging a future filled with excellence in the industry.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.