How Welders Can Build a Career Without a College Degree

Justin LaFond built a welding career the hard way — through shop work, sales, field experience, and learning how to solve problems most people overlook. If you’re a welder trying to figure out your next move, avoid expensive career mistakes, or understand what opportunities exist beyond the booth, this episode gives you a real-world look at where welding can take you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • **How Justin went from welding in a family shop to becoming a field application engineer at ESAB** • **Why the lack of a college degree became a challenge — and how experience, reputation, and networking helped him move forward** • **What simple shop issues cause the most welding problems, including liners, feedability, ground clamps, and overlooked consumables** • **Why auto-set machines and simplified welding technology can help shops but also leave welders without the fundamentals** • **How different regions of the U.S. offer different welding opportunities, from manufacturing and shipyards to pipe, tanks, heavy equipment, and structural work** Justin LaFond is a field application engineer with ESAB who brings a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective from years in welding, fabrication, distribution, sales, and technical support. His background includes general fabrication, structural work, stainless, heavy equipment repair, cryogenic certifications, and years of helping welders and shops troubleshoot real problems in the field. His path is especially valuable for welders who want to understand how far the trade can take them without following a traditional college route. Connect with Justin LaFond: Instagram: @justin\_esab TikTok: @justin.lafond7 Connect with Beau Wigington: Instagram: @beaudiditwelding Download the WELD App: iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it. #WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #WeldingTips #WeldingEducation #WeldingTools #Fabrication