"Go meet people, network, and learn how to nurture relationships. That's what will keep you going in this industry."
Students in Max Younger’s welding class enjoy watching the pros at work, especially YouTuber Austin Ross.
So it was special when Ross paid a visit to the Francis Tuttle Technology Center class to share his personal welding experience and share a few tips. The Stillwater native travels across the country in his specialized truck to do pipeline welding jobs, but on Tuesday, Oct. 7, he talked to students about what they should expect from a career in welding.
“Even if it’s not the job you want, soak up the experience,” Ross said about getting started. “You’ll look back in five or 10 years and see how valuable it was.”
Ross now owns A Ross Welding and has 20 years of experience. He also got his start in CareerTech at the welding program at Meridian Technology Center.
He started welding in 2005 and began traveling for pipeline welding jobs. He would get questions about welding techniques while on these trips, so he decided to start making YouTube videos.
Now, Ross’ YouTube channel Arosswelding has more than 250,000 subscribers, and his specialized truck has racked up over 208,000 miles.
Ross explained how he got his start and what keeps him going to Younger’s class during his visit. Students also got an inside look at Ross’ truck and showed him around the new welding space at the Francis Tuttle Danforth Campus.
He advised students to prepare to take less desirable jobs in the beginning to get into the industry. And as he has experienced on his cross-country travels, Ross also told students to not be afraid to meet new people and network any chance they get.
“Go meet people, network, and learn how to nurture relationships,” Ross said. “That’s what will keep you going in this industry.”