In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Travis Field, a Canadian rig welder now living and working in the United States on a specialized work visa. Travis shares how he “fell into” welding in Alberta, Canada, completing the Red Seal apprenticeship program and eventually adding a vast number of specialized welding certifications to his repertoire. He highlights the pivotal role of his mentor, whose encyclopedic knowledge and private welding school exposed Travis to an array of exotic metals—like titanium and zirconium—and fueled his desire to keep learning.

Travis explains key differences between welding in Canada and the U.S., the nuances of welding thick-wall titanium for highly corrosive applications, and the importance of thoroughly shielding exotic alloys from oxygen. He also discusses the visa process, emphasizing how crucial it is to collect documentation, build a rare and valuable skill set, and thoroughly prove one’s qualifications when seeking a work permit in the States. Finally, Travis offers practical advice for new welders—encouraging them to learn from experienced mentors, document every skill gained, and continually expand their expertise to remain competitive and open doors to international opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• “I kept welding because my mentor had all these courses in titanium, zirconium, copper-nickel. I just never stopped wanting to learn.”

• “Any part of the metal that’s heated has to be protected away from the atmosphere—titanium has zero forgiveness for oxygen exposure.”

• “If you want to work abroad, document everything. Every skill, every certification, every job. Prove your value at every step.”

Connect with Travis

• Instagram: @travisfield_tx

• WeldTube Channel: WeldTube on YouTube

Connect with Beau

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

• Weld App: @beaudidit

• Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

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