Meet The Pro: Kaegan Wood, Welder
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Haskell
Age: 23
Where I Trained: Arkansas State University Three Rivers
Job Title: Welder
Employer: Systems LLC
Kaegan Wood has always enjoyed making things with his hands and discovered his niche interest was working with metal after enrolling in some courses at a vocational-technical school. What inspired him to work in the construction industry is simple: he enjoys mastering his skills in fabrication and metal work. During high school, Kaegan’s main hobby was in blade smithing, so he enrolled in a welding semester class.
“[Welding] was less demanding time frame-wise outside of [high] school, and I still had time to work outside of school,” Kaegan said. “I get good pay and it gives a good skill to take with me if I decide to look for different prospects.”
Since becoming a welder, Kaegan has been able to buy his dream car and earn a livable wage with little-to-no student debt. Although the job has long hours and he often works in a hot, uncomfortable environment, Kaegan enjoys making products that benefit people. His favorite part of the job is that he gets to make things from start to finish. His day-to-day responsibilities include welding dock levelers for semi trucks and accessories that come with them.
Kaegan’s advice for those wanting to go into this field is short and sweet: “[Be] a team player, [have a] steady hand and patience,” Kaegan said. “Safety is the most important aspect of this career path and paying attention to your surroundings.”
More About the Job
Education Needed:
High school diploma & on-the-job training
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You love watching fireworks and helping adults build campfires
- Art class and wood shop are your favorite electives
- You’re detail-oriented and careful
Job Demand
► Employment is projected to increase 10% by 2030, with 660 job openings each year.
► 6,000 welders are expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$62,800
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$44,970
WHERE TO LEARN
- The Academy at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
- Arkansas National Guard
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- East Arkansas Community College
- Lexicon Inc.
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Peak Innovation Center (Fort Smith Public Schools)
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett
- University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee
- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
- W&W|AFCO Steel
WHERE TO WORK
- Arkansas National Guard
- Central Moloney Inc.
- Cranford Asphalt
- Granite Mt. Quarries
- Hytrol
- Intimidator Group
- Lexicon Inc.
- McGeorge Contracting
- W&W|AFCO Steel
- Welsco
Sources: careeronestop.org
