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 class

Why 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 you

Outage work, long hours, and meeting other welders through connections

Living mobile in a camper and why buying a house right now doesn’t make sense for him

The money traps that keep welders broke (even when they make great checks)

Faith on the road, staying disciplined, and avoiding the culture that ruins careers

What separates welders who build a life vs welders who crash out

Ethan Holloway (KWI Class of 2022) is a union pipe welder with UA Local 614, running tough night shifts and high-stakes 100% x-ray work in Texas. In this episode, Ethan breaks down what most people don’t understand about welding life: union benefits, per diem, shot records, discipline, faith, finances, and what it takes to build a legacy—not just a paycheck.

If you’re 17–25 and wondering if you have what it takes, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the KWI Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Lacey, a 2018 Kentucky Welding Institute graduate who traveled from Rome, New York to Kentucky chasing something bigger than a paycheck. Dylan opens up about his journey—from growing up around hard farm work, struggling with discipline and direction as a teenager, working long hours for limited pay, and ultimately making the decision to bet on himself and attend KWI. What followed was a transformation built on work ethic, humility, faith, and relentless consistency. This conversation goes far beyond welding. It’s about earning your sleep, choosing discipline over comfort, and building a life with purpose—on and off the jobsite. Whether you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, currently in welding school, or already in the field, this episode delivers real-world perspective from someone who lived it.

In this episode of the Kentucky Welding Institute: Behind the Hood, with the Grads, as we sit down with Andreas Kariotis, a man with a remarkable journey from the Air Force to becoming a skilled welder. Born and raised in New Gloucester, Maine, Andreas shares his experiences growing up in a close-knit community, his time serving in the Air Force, and the transition to a new career in welding. Discover the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, and gain insights into the world of welding and the importance of perseverance. Whether you're interested in welding, military life, or personal growth, this episode offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on Andreas's inspiring story!

Graduate Rhiannon Howard joins us to share her journey with welding and her experience in the field. Rhiannon was the first female on the KWI 100K Wall — and now she turned her welding career into her own business, Double L Metal Works. Rhiannon talks about hitting the road after graduation, the skills she built along the way, and how those same skills now fuel her custom metalwork, from jewelry to handcrafted belt buckles. https://www.doublelmetalworks.com/

John Abrams is a former KWI student who is now a successful welder in the industry today. He started welding later in life and took a non conventional route to starting in his career in this interview he shares tips and tricks that have helped him throughout his career.

Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast

Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube

TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787

FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists

STAY CONNECTED:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

Ashley sits down with State FAA President Ben Williams and talks all things FAA. As well as their similar experiences on farms while growing up.

Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcast

Visit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtube

TEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787

FREE Welding Checklists to Kickstart Your Career: https://weld.kwi.us/checklists

STAY CONNECTED:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyweldinginstitute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kentuckyweldinginstitute
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyWeldingInstitute

We talk to Braden, a welder who made over $100K right after welding school. Learn about his journey and success in the welding industry!

Watch Braden and I tackle a monster coupon. We discuss everything from welding techniques, career experiences, and challenges faced on the job, to insights on how to save and invest wisely as a young welder.

Learn More: https://weld.kwi.us/podcastVisit KWI's YouTube channel and access a ton of free content about forging a successful welding career: https://kwi.us/youtubeTEXT OR CALL US: (606) 291-2787