Still Building America—Welding opens up opportunities

Welder Tom Howes' work.

I might be biased, but I’ve always felt that metro Detroit has more blue-collar skill per capita than any other area in the U.S. While high school shop classes and college vocational programs are closing in so many other areas, Detroit still has a strong foundation for the trades. Tom Howes, a 28-year-old fabricator, is a product of this foundation.

Tom went to Stevenson High School, where he started taking shop classes, thinking it would come in useful when working on cars, which is one of his passions. But when he began welding, he realized a new love.

“As soon as I struck my first 7018 rod I was hooked. It was the only class I ever really looked forward to.”

Tom credits his welding instructors, Mr. Curtis and Chris Young, with seeing his potential and helping him to find his first “shop job” during school.

After high school he found an opportunity the old-fashioned way—a newspaper ad. He applied for a skilled-trades opportunity overseas, and within two weeks was up-armoring mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles in Kuwait. Tom said, “It was the greatest feeling of accomplishment I ever had in my life.”

That first job led to several more gigs working for defense contractors across the States, and then eventually back home in Michigan.

Tom currently is working to set up his own business, Tom Howes Metal Work, where he’ll do contract jobs for local industry as well as motorsports fabrication. The goal is to be his own boss while providing for his family.

When I asked him what he enjoyed most about his career, he said, “The best part about being a welder is a hard question. Welding has made all of my dreams possible and allowed me to see different parts of the world and meet a lot of great people along the way. Welding has always given me a good paycheck, a secure job, and the personal satisfaction that comes with building or creating something from nothing. I enjoy the challenge, problem-solving, and being a part of blue-collar America.”

And advice?

“Never settle for anything less than your best, and there is no replacement for hard work and dedication. It will pay off, although you have to be patient and have an open mind. I feel too many tradesmen think that after a certain amount of time they know it all. Never stop asking questions and learning from your peers.”

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