Welding Industry Sparks Interest - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Welding Industry Sparks Interest

There's certainly a lot of opportunities to make money in the oilfield.

A growing number of students are narrowing in on one trade in particular.

It's pretty loud and challenging, but the welding industry is drawing students in like a moth to a flame.

"My teacher introduced me to it, and I kind of fell in love with it, like building and fixing things, been doing it ever since." says Derrick Murphy, Ft. Yates.

Derrick Murphy is just one of around 28 high school students hoping to advance his welding skills.

"Just the fact that you can make things with your own two hands, you have the power to, that and you can make a lot of money." says Murphy.

Although he plans to further his education first, the market is ready for certified workers now.

"If you get a job on the oil rig you're going to make money." says Murphy.

"I foresee 55, 65 dollars an hour, North Dakota we're sitting in a gold mine, with the oil, energy, and welding is an in." says Barry Schneider/BPS Welding Instructor.

"It could be 30, 40 dollars an hour, it's a very lucrative position, you have to know what you're doing, you've got to have a clean slate on your record and you have to be able to make quality welds." says Doug Vannurden/Missouri River Area Career Tech Center.

"Just wanted to get certified to say I could, prove it to myself I guess." says Richard.

This welding academy lights up a field of job opportunities for all students who are interested.

Instructors just want to make sure they do it safely and are drawn toward a bright future.

"Where they're out when they start, where they're out when they leave, and where they're out ten years from now, that's the best thing." says Schneider.

"It's a lot of fun really, helps you get ready for what you want to do in the future, certify you so you can get jobs." says Murphy.

This is the third year for the Welding Academy.

It's a week long course provided through the Missouri River Education Cooperative.