Still Building America: From educator to AWS-certified welder

Erin Kelley, seen here working on battery frames, spent more than a decade in the education field, but after coming across a story about the welder shortage, she decided to become AWS-certified and follow her welding dream. Image provided by Lightning Systems, Inc.

After connecting with Erin Kelley in the Instagram community, I had a hunch that she had a cool story.

In response to my inquiry about an interview, she said, “I am a baby beginner fabricator.” But that wouldn't stop me from digging a little deeper. It has always been our goal to share stories about welders and fabricators as well as industry entrepreneurs and innovators at various places on their journey.

So where did we catch up with Erin on her path? Well, it’s 12 years after she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and art history, and 10 of those years were spent working in education as a teacher, translator/project manager, and a college admissions counselor. So how did she become an AWS-certified welder?

Darla Welton: Congrats on your recent graduation from Schoolcraft College. Tell me a little more about yourself and what you are doing now.

Erin Kelley: Thank you. Schoolcraft has a wonderful program. I discovered welding after working in education for more than a decade. I’d been a teacher, translator/project manager, and a college admission counselor. I was simply burnt out and needed a change. Deciding to go back to school to study welding was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Two years later I’m certified and working for Ascent Welding in Colorado as a welder fabricator. I assist on all types of projects, including fabrication of handrails, brackets, shelves, memorials, modifications to cars and campers, structural welding for residential construction, and any other welding project that comes our way. However, the most important customer of the shop is an electric vehicle manufacturer, so our primary focus is small-run production and prototyping electric vehicle components. I actually drove out to Colorado in mid-March 2020 because of all the COVID-19 closures in Detroit. I had six weeks left until graduation when school closed and I decided to take a leap out here with Ascent. I finished all the book work online and the welding work remotely in Ascent's shop at night after my shift. Both Ascent and Schoolcraft were so supportive of me finishing the work. It made for a busy first few weeks at work, but it was worth it when I received my diploma in the mail.

DW: How did you decide on your welding career path?

EK: I was fortunate to hear a radio story about the shortage of welders when I was feeling the most down about my career. The demand the broadcaster described inspired me to visit the welding program at my local community college. I was excited about what I saw on the visit and signed up for my first class. Once I struck an arc, I was sold. I became more motivated to continue my studies each time I met someone successfully working in industry. During my first year of school, I was still working full-time as an admission counselor. In my second year of the program, I quit my job to focus on finishing the degree and gaining as much field experience as possible.

DW: Who were your influences along the way?

EK: My parents, my partner, and my classmates got me through school. I would never have taken the leap to start on a whole new career without the support of my family. I met a wonderful group of classmates who became good friends throughout the program. We built each other up in our moments of doubt -- I wouldn’t have made it through without that network.

DW: Are there other life experiences, hobbies, or things that have inspired you or your passion?

Erin Kelley. Image provided by Ascent Welding and Erin Kelley

EK: Looking back, I recognize that I always enjoyed creating and working with my hands. I learned construction basics from my dad and gardening from my mom. As a young adult, I worked at a sculpture studio, which influenced my interest in the arts and working with metal in creative ways. When first faced with the prospects of adulthood, (i.e., choosing a course of study after high school), I didn’t consider the trades as a potential path. It may seem unlikely that I’ve ended up here, but I think each one of my work experiences has led to where I need to be now.

DW: Has welding brought any interesting life opportunities to you so far?

EK: Welding has changed the trajectory of my life in ways I wouldn’t have imagined when I decided to go back to school. It’s given me a lot of confidence and offered me the opportunity to travel and work in a new state. I feel more fulfilled with my work now than I ever have before. Each day I create a product that someone will use, I feel capable and needed. I’ve been able to start saving and investing, and now I even have the time, space, and tools to spend on creating metal art too.

DW: What specific type of training do you have?

EK: My first try at school I earned a degree (BA) in Spanish with a minor in art history, which led me to my career in education. I earned a degree (AAS) in welding joining technology with a certificate in fabrication. Schoolcraft College is also an AWS testing facility, so I was able to become a certified welder while earning my degree. Luckily, I connected with the owner at Ascent Welding, who mentored me while I was still in school and hired me before graduation.

DW: What is your favorite thing about welding?

EK: One of my favorite things about welding is when I can focus fully on laying a perfect bead; in those moments, the rest of the world and its problems melts away into that puddle. It can almost be meditative. Also, when parts of a project come together really well and a customer is happy with the outcome, that is truly satisfying.

DW: Do you have a favorite welding project or welding achievement of which you are particularly proud?

EK: I’m most proud that I’ve had a chance to establish myself in a shop that tackles highly technical projects with tight tolerances and complex prints. Each set of parts that I can weld consistently and efficiently gives me a great level of satisfaction.

DW: What has been the most challenging part of your welding career or schooling so far?

Erin Kelley practicing SMAW at Ascent Welding. Image provided by Ascent Welding and Erin Kelley

EK: Certifications and testing are challenging for me. For someone who suffers with test anxiety, weld tests can be really nerve- wracking. The more certifications I go through, the easier the whole process becomes.

DW: What are your future goals/dreams for your career?

EK: Ultimately, my goal is to become a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), but I’m a long way off from that. In the meantime, I look forward to becoming a more valuable member of my shop team as I continue to grow my skills as a welder fabricator.

DW: What advice would you give to someone currently considering a career in welding?

EK: Try a class. Look into the community college closest to you and see if you can visit. On my first visit to Schoolcraft College, the lead instructor met with me personally and was a support during all my courses, certifications, and through graduation. Also, social media can be a powerful tool. Start connecting with others interested in the same trade; you may be surprised where the conversation will take you.

Check out more from the Still Building America series.

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