A South Dakota family has a growing welding business creating livestock equipment for farms in the U.S. and Canada. While Mike Fey and his wife both weld for the business, their current increase in production capacity is linked to the hard work of their children: Stephanie, 23, Steven, 18, and Nicole, 16.
Nicole works for the family business when she’s not attending high school. She has continued to study welding at her school and her father hopes she’ll continue with the family business.
With three welders working together, they can fabricate a cattle panel in 18 minutes. However, their father Mike Fey hopes to trim that time down to 12 minutes. As the siblings continue to hone their skills at welding, that certainly seems like a possibility in the near future.
Welding Industry
Lincoln Electric Hosts a Motorsports Meeting
Welding experts shared the latest advancements in materials and welding procedures in motorsports during the conference on Dec. 1-2.
Representatives from NASCAR, IndyCar, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), off-road racing, aviation, and other related industries gathered for lectures, demonstrations and hands-on training.
Welding Jobs
Welding Career Fulfills Creative Talents
[Melanie] Oliver, 32, enjoys the technical challenges of welding which demand precision but also fit her creative nature. “I can look at any weld and tell you if it’s mine,” Oliver said.
Like a written signature, every welder has a technique that makes it their mark. Welding is a physically demanding job that’s fulfilling and provides a sense of accomplishment, Oliver said. It’s also a job with lots of opportunities in Wisconsin. The state is a leader in manufacturing and that process often includes welders.
Welding Education
Idaho Welding School Hosts Auction
CSI Welding instructor Clay Wilkie says his welders will be joined by students from several Magic Valley high schools, including Minico, Oakley, Gooding, and Twin Falls High Schools. “They wanted to be a part of our auction and after meeting with them, we decided to invite all the Magic Valley high schools to participate in the event. We expect to have even more high schools participate next year,” said Wilkie.
One-Year Welding Certificate Program Aims to Keep Up with Demand
The strong demand for welders shows no sign of slowing down, according to Glen O’Mary, director of education for the Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF), an organization that tracks skilled labor needs in the Gulf Coast region.
Rig welders especially are being sought after in an expanding market. CMEF Training Contributor Partners hire new welders on a regular basis. The current job market offers an increasing number of employment opportunities and a greater earning potential,” O’Mary said.
Welding Events
FABTECH-Canada
FABTECH Canada will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre, March 22-24, 2016. The event is co-sponsored by SME, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the American Welding Society (AWS), the Precision Metal-forming Association (PMA), and Chemical Coaters Association International. Companies specializing in fabricating, metal forming, welding, and finishing will have the opportunity to network, improve productivity, increase profits and discover innovative ways to expand in today’s competitive business environment.
9th International Seminar & Conference on Advances in Resistance Welding
Apr 12, 2016 – Apr 15, 2016, Miami, FL
AWS, RWMA, and Swantec have joined forces to bring this Seminar and Conference on Resistance Welding. Industry experts from leading institutes and companies in the Âfield of resistance welding will give a comprehensive overview on the latest in materials, welding equipment, innovations and industrial applications. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to network with the leaders in resistance welding.
Discounted Welding Supplies
Now that you know what’s going on in the world of welding, visit Baker’s Gas and Welding for the latest deals in welders, welding safety gear, and welding supplies.
