Welding is often described as a skilled trade. For the students and instructors at Iron Eagle Welding Academy in Stockton, Missouri, it represents far more than technical instruction — it is a pathway to long-term opportunity, mobility, and personal growth.
At a time when demand for skilled welders continues to outpace supply, programs like Iron Eagle are playing a critical role in preparing the next generation of craftspeople. Students point to the combination of hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement support as key factors in their decision to pursue the trade.
The experiences shared by students and instructors at the academy reflect a broader workforce reality facing the steel fabrication industry: the need for trained, motivated professionals has never been greater.
The Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) has made workforce development a priority through initiatives such as the STI/SPFA Scholarship. Offered annually through the AWS Foundation, the $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in welding, with preference given to those who wish to join the steel tank or steel pipe fabrication industry. The first scholarship was awarded last fall to Lucas Lambeth, marking an important step in strengthening the talent pipeline supporting the industry.
A Career Built on Skill and Satisfaction
For instructor Kyle Siems, one of the most rewarding aspects of welding is watching a project come to life.
“The benefits of a career in welding is seeing something go from nothing to a full working facility,” Siems says. “Seeing something go from that to up and operating — it’s very satisfying.”
Iron Eagle’s program is structured as a 14-week academy, with an optional four-week specialty downhill course. Students advance based on demonstrated competency, progressing when instructors determine they are ready. Depending on performance and focus, graduates may leave with multiple certifications across processes such as stick welding, flux core, and TIG applications.
“The skills you develop — what we focus on here — is a very hard, good work ethic,” Siems says.
Opportunity Without Limits
For students, welding offers a direct path into a high-demand profession with geographic flexibility and strong earning potential.
“I’ll be able to do pretty much any pipe welding anywhere in the country or out of the country, really,” says student Gus Goodwin. “It really just depends on how much you want to apply yourself and where you want to go.”
Goodwin notes that the academy provides ongoing job placement assistance, helping graduates transition directly into the workforce. “The school helps you a lot with placement afterwards… you can have lifetime job placement through [the academy], and I feel very happy about my choice of coming here.”
According to Siems, the demand for qualified welders remains strong nationwide.
“They’re always in demand of welders,” he says. “The amount of students that graduate all welding schools — they still don’t have enough people to meet the jobs that they have.”
A Supportive Learning Environment
Students at Iron Eagle consistently emphasize the collaborative and supportive nature of the program.
“The instructors are awesome. They’re some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life,” says student Easton Smith. “We know each other personally… it’s more of a family-oriented thing.”
Jacob Limbaugh highlights the close instructor-to-student ratio and accessibility of help. “If you have a problem, there they are. They’ll help you work through it. A lot of learning experience here and a lot of good people.”
For students entering the trade without prior experience, the academy environment builds confidence quickly.
“I had zero background with this whatsoever,” Goodwin says. “You could be doing this for 20 years and you can still learn something from somebody who’s been doing this just two days longer than you.”
The program also provides a clear and efficient pathway into a stable career.
“It’s a pretty good career path,” Limbaugh says. “They pay pretty good. And you really don’t have to spend a whole lot of time learning it either.”
Building the Industry’s Future
Through initiatives like the STI/SPFA Scholarship, the association is investing in programs that strengthen the long-term workforce supporting steel tank and steel pipe fabrication.
“The future of our industry depends on attracting and developing skilled craftspeople,” said Tim O’Toole, Executive Vice President of STI/SPFA. “Training academies like Iron Eagle are essential to that effort. Our scholarship program is one way we’re directly supporting students who are committed to building careers in welding and fabrication. The demand is real, and the opportunity is significant for those willing to develop the skill and work ethic required to succeed.”
For graduates of Iron Eagle Welding Academy, the possibilities are wide-ranging.
“When you leave school, sky’s the limit when it comes to a welding job,” Siems says. “If you’re willing to travel, the jobs are there — west coast to east coast, north and south.”
As the steel fabrication industry continues to face workforce shortages, partnerships between training academies and industry organizations will remain critical. Programs like Iron Eagle not only prepare students for immediate employment, but also help ensure the continued strength and sustainability of the skilled trades workforce.
