Skills Based Training Vs Career Degree Path with Aaron Wulk

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk, Director of Applied Technical Programs at South Piedmont Community College, about real-world Inconel tips, ATF certification, and how to choose the right career track in welding.

Key Topics Covered:

• Inconel vs. carbon steel fundamentals: shielding gas (100% argon vs. 75/25), puddle behavior (sluggish vs. fluid), voltage pitfalls, and trusting the puddle.

• Hot cracking explained: why rapid heat dissipation makes welds brittle, and how preheat/postheat and heat input control (TIG vs. MIG) help.

• Process selection by application: when MIG on Inconel makes sense (e.g., heavy foundry repairs) and why TIG often offers better heat control.

• Common mistakes: impatience, poor cleaning, and skipping interpass cleanup—how these quietly ruin otherwise good work.

• Stick on Inconel: why it’s “ropey,” erratic, and just plain difficult—and how to approach it if you must.

• Where you’ll find Inconel: aerospace, nuclear, high-performance automotive, corrosive/chemical plants, and foundry reclamation.

• Career-driven vs. degree-driven training: stackable short-term certificates, evening classes, and how to upskill without pausing your life.

• ATF (Accredited Testing Facility) basics: QA manuals, heat numbers, procedure control, documentation, and why it’s a resume builder (not a bypass).

• Certs that travel vs. in-house: six-month renewal realities and why portable credentials matter when you change jobs.

• Thriving in your first shop: “be quiet and listen,” pick up tricks from veterans, and plug into a community that levels everyone up.

• Metal art & learning by making: how aesthetics, controlled “mistakes,” and SkillsUSA sculpture build real process understanding.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Trust that the puddle is doing its job.”

• “Stick welding Inconel? It’s gonna suck… more erratic, ropey puddle.”

• “Be quiet and listen. You don’t know everything about welding on day one.”

• “If you’re helping that person be better, you’re helping the whole industry be better.”

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Connect with Aaron Wulk

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wulk-cwi-cwe-648958151 

• Instagram - @black_mirror_sculptures https://www.instagram.com/black_mirror_sculptures/ 

• Learn more about South Piedmont Community College - https://spcc.edu/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

• E-Mail : beauw@weld.com

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