Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Reeves.
Bobby, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Elite Welding Academy was founded in 2006 by United Group Services, one of Cincinnati’s biggest and most successful mechanical pipe contractors. United Group Services realized the shortage of skilled pipe and structural welders. To assist in remedying this shortage, Elite Welding Academy was created. Because of our relationship with Untied Group services, our school has the pulse of the marketplace. In 2014, because of the strong need for Pipe Welders we decided to expand into other markets and Houston, Texas was chosen. Elite Pipe Welding Academy LLC is accessible from both 610 and 45 in South Houston and is equipped with up-to-date welding both including the latest power sources, tables, fixtures, prep areas, and cutting areas. Our goal when developing the Elite Pipe Welding Academy LLC curriculum was to hone the students’ skills to the level of a JOB READY welder. For this reason we are using the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) materials for the classroom experience and the guidelines developed by the ASME and AWS. We provide career-focused, hands-on programs with industry experienced instructors. Students that put forth the dedication and commitment to excel will leave with the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for a successful career in Welding.
Has it been a smooth road?
Our biggest struggle so far has been funding for students. Currently we can’t offer FASFA through the Department of Education. We have turned down hundreds of students because of this.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Elite Pipe Welding Academy story. Tell us more about the business.
Elite Pipe Welding Academy LLC, has put together a pipe welding program that is a step above other programs being offered. Our instructors have years of experience in the field and have the knowledge to teach you the safe, proper and productive way to do the job. We know that welding in the field is not the same as welding in a booth. Once you master welding in the booth, we give you challenges anywhere from welding off of a ladder to welding six inches off the ground. With the program we have designed and the training we do helps our students become JOB READY!!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Today’s Welders are engaged in work critical to the nation’s well-being, such as energy production, highway transportation, manufacturing, and military applications. Welding is a profession that will not go away, even as technology accelerates.
There is a high demand for pipe welders across the country. It takes time; determination and the ability learn to become a pipe welder. It’s a rewarding career that pays well.
Nearly half of the U. S. industries report difficulties locating qualified individuals with pipe welding expertise. Welding is one of the most needed jobs in all of the construction fields. Buildings, bridges and roads cannot be constructed without a welder to build the frame work. From the equipment being used to start projects to the completion welding plays a key role.
Pricing:
- The Cost of our 6 month program is $14,890 which includes all books,tools and materials needed
Contact Info:
- Address: 7119 Village way
Houston , TX 77087 - Website: WWW.ELITEPIPEWELDINGACADEMY.COM
- Phone: 713-640-1794
- Email: breeves@eliteweldingacademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=elite%20pipe%20welding%20academy%20llc.
Image Credit:
All pictures where taken by Elite Welding Academy with written permission from past and current students
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