Our instructors

The best of the best

Austin Swaney

1st Shift Coordinator

I got into welding after my brother came back from North Dakota with more money than I’d ever heard of! I was an after-school welder’s helper and tested for my first pipe certification at age 17.

CJ Howard

1st Shift Lead Instructor - TC1

My high school welding program got me started in my career. I had an awesome instructor that I still talk to today. I have 13 years of experience, with most of it in pipeline welding.

Chris Fink

1st Shift Lead Instructor - TC2

I started welding with my father as a kid, and my interest in the welding industry took off when we turned a totaled truck into a showpiece.

Christian Archuleta

1st Shift Instructor - TC1

My journey into welding began at the age of 9 when my Grandfather, who worked in the oilfield, brought home a broken welding machine.

John Parks

1st Shift Instructor - TC1

With around 6 years of professional welding experience and several more years of welding on the side, most of my background comes from working on everything from structural I-beams to pipe.

Connor Swaney

1st Shift Instructor - TC1

I wanted to become a welder because the group of friends I was involved with were welders and they made it look fun. I welded in the field for 5 years before coming to Western Welding Academy.

James Lee

1st Shift Instructor - TC1

I was introduced to welding at the age of 10 and that early start sparked a lifelong passion. I chose to pursue welding not just because I love the craft, but to provide a better life for my family.

James “Ja” Packard II

2nd Shift Coordinator

I got into welding in high school when a friend of mine who was a couple years older graduated and went to work as a welder. When he showed me his paycheck I was hooked.

Nate Farnsworth

2nd Shift Lead Instructor - TC1

I'm Nate Farnsworth, originally from Buffalo, Wyoming. When I'm not welding, you'll find me indulging in my hobbies, which include building things, hiking, camping, and serving as a Boy Scout leader.

Chase Peters

2nd Shift Lead Instructor - TC2

I was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas. Hobbies I enjoy doing on my spare time include hunting and fishing, and I enjoy learning new things.

Lance Whisenant

2nd Shift Instructor - TC1

I first discovered welding during Ag Class in high school. I’ve always enjoyed building things, and this craft has become my passion.

Jeason Brown

2nd Shift Instructor - TC2

I have years of experience working on structural jobs, erecting buildings and welding I-beams. I also spent time welding mine ventilation equipment, giving me a diverse range of skills in the field.

Trevon Wilson

2nd Shift Instructor - TC2

I worked as a mechanic for a little over 3 years and spent about 2 years welding full-time on anything from heavy structural projects to piping systems.

Ronald Maul

Senior Classroom Instructor

I have been welding since I was 14 years old. I have experience with Stick, TIG, MIG, structural steel, pipe welding, and fabrication structural and design.

David Zajac

1st Shift Classroom Instructor

My journey into welding was driven by my quest for knowledge and excellence, which led me to explore Stick, Tig, and Mig welding. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the growth of my students.

Glenn Ogden

1st Shift Classroom Instructor

Before I came to Western Welding Academy, I had worked on industrial construction for about 24 years helping build power plants, refineries, compressor units, and all kinds of stuff all over the west.

Joe Stockdale

2nd Shift Classroom Instructor

I have over 35 years of experience in the field that’s taken me from the Navy to working for my own company, and now to teach the next generation of welders.

Opportunities are Endless

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