Forging a Future: Welding Program at USU Eastern Equips Student to Compete in Job Market

When Joey Penovich enrolled in the welding technology program at USU Eastern, he had no idea just how transformative it would be for his career. Today, Joey is thriving as a professional welder at Intermountain Electronics, and he credits his success to the comprehensive training and hands-on experience he gained during his time at USU Eastern.

“My time at USU Eastern was fantastic,” Penovich said. “With having no welding experience at all before attending the program, what caught my attention was all the welders that have placed in the big welding competitions around the state and the world.”

The welding technology program at USU Eastern is designed to prepare students for a variety of industries, from manufacturing and construction to energy and transportation. The program offers state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping students excel.

“What stood out to me is all the one-on-one time you had with the instructor. Especially when you're new to the trade, being pointed in the right direction makes it very easy to catch on,” Penovich said.

One of the program’s strengths is its focus on real-world applications. Students learn techniques like MIG, TIG and arc welding, and they work on projects that mimic actual industry scenarios. Additionally, the program includes metallurgy, print reading and weld inspection courses, all of which Joey found invaluable in his current role.

“For the career that I'm in now, the program has helped me a ton,” he said. “There's more than just welding that you learn. You learn the metallurgy, which helped me understand the science behind welding and joining materials together. I learned print reading, which here at IE we do all day, every day, working on projects. Weld inspection is another class that helped me understand the requirements for a weld to pass inspection.”

The welding technology program ensures students graduate as well-rounded welders, mastering multiple processes instead of just one. Joey appreciated how the program pushed him to improve consistently.

“I enjoyed taking the beginning classes the first semester, then taking the advanced program the following semester to see how much I’ve improved over the year,” he said. “By doing good in the program and standing out over the others, the instructors could help get you into a welding job.”

USU Eastern also offers welding certifications that give students a competitive edge in the job market.

“They offer weld tests at the college. When you pass the test, they write a certificate for the welding process you completed and which positions you're now qualified to weld in. It’s then stamped and can be taken to a job interview or added to the resume,” Penovich said.

The welding industry continues to see high demand for skilled professionals. USU Eastern’s welding program equips students with certifications and the confidence to pursue careers in a competitive market.

“When I started at IE ( Intermountain Electronics) four years ago, I started at the very bottom. I had very little to no experience in this field at all. By taking the welding classes, it gave me a new set of skills I was able to excel at,” Penovich said. “Welding is a great trade to join; you're always going to have a job.”

Learn more about the USU Eastern Welding Technology Program on USU’s website.