About MWI
Our Philosophy
The Missouri Welding Institute is dedicated to providing its students with a sound occupational education. We strive to enable students to develop the attitude, knowledge, quality and skills necessary for them to be effective as a person, a family member and a citizen in an era of rapid social change.
Letter from the Founder
Dear Prospective Student:
Your career in welding is my personal concern. I have been involved in the welding profession since 1960. Through the years I have seen and experienced the progress of welding technology first hand in many varied facets of this trade.
Your career as a welding technician gives you many benefits, challenges and opportunities to be self-reliant and maintain job security. Pride in the quality of your craft is a tremendous confidence builder. A good welder is able to work in many locations across the U.S.A. The higher quality of training you receive plus the motivation from within your heart opens the door of opportunity, but not without hard work. Plain and simple, you must dedicate every ounce of energy to your craft. Every weld you make affects your reputation and is a reflection of how you perceive the importance in the profession.
You may dream of starting your own business, dream of travel or dream of having a choice as to where you work or for whom you work. I have seen these dreams turn into a reality many, many times. Students I have taught come back and visit me, and their success is apparent just by watching them walk and listening to them talk.
The personal concern I mentioned at the beginning of this letter has been enhanced through the years by the realization that welding as a trade or craft is not enough. You must develop your other qualities as well, such as motivation, positive attitude, work ethic, perseverance, self-reliance and confidence. These attributes are as important to your future goals as quality is to the industry.
Please understand that I have a deep desire to see your success fulfilled and take a great deal of satisfaction in watching it happen.
Come visit the MISSOURI WELDING INSTITUTE and we will be glad to tell you more. The decision to attend must be the right choice for you. It is your life and your decision. Choose it wisely and with care.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Hollands
Founder
Meet the Team
Thomas E. Hollands
Founder
Mr. Hollands had over 45 years of experience in the field of construction and manufacturing. He spent 22 years directly associated with welder training, classroom instruction, practical hands-on welding, and fitting instruction. He also worked as a job placement director, welding consultant, and manager of a welder qualification testing laboratory. He worked overseas on two projects in Africa, one in Mozambique and the other in Zimbabwe. He taught over 12,000 hours of hands-on welding, classroom seminars, practical fitting, and contract training, along with international welder training in Africa. Unfortunately, he passed away. Tom will always be remembered as an amazing father, grandfather, entrepreneur and trail blazer in the field of welder training and education.
Brian Hollands
Owner
Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a 3.0 GPA from the University of Kansas. He graduated from Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a 3.48 GPA in the top 25% of his graduating class of 700 students. He graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in October of 1995 and has worked as a welding instructor for nine years and has worked as Director of Training and Chief Welding Instructor for five of those years. Brian has taught over 16,000 hours of classroom and hands-on welding training and has helped to further Missouri Welding Institute’s curriculum in both the shop as well as the classroom. Brian has been in charge of and worked all departments at MWI from placement, admissions, marketing and instructing. He became the owner of MWI in 2018.
Brian holds an American Welding Society “Certified Welding Inspector” national inspection certification, and is currently studying to test for Levels I and II Society for Nondestructive Testing “Technician Certifications” in Visual Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Dye Penetrant Testing, Ultrasonic Testing, and Radiographic Testing. He has certified to both AWS-American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME-American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Brian has certified with and has experience in all 4 major welding processes on both plate and pipe. Brian has field experience on refineries, chemical plants, paper mills, steel mills, and fossil fuel plants as a combination pipe welder and fitter. Brian is currently a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The American Welding Society, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, The American Society Testing and Materials, and The American Society for Metals.
Clint Parker
President/Director of Training
Clint graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in May of 1997. Since graduating, Clint has worked in several different jobs that have given him a versatile background. He’s worked at nuclear power plants, coal power plants, paper mills, refineries, and food-grade plants. Clint has been certified by both AWS – American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Clint has extensive experience in the following processes on pipe and plate: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. In addition, Clint is also certified in all positions with the above-mentioned codes. Clint also has the ability to read and interpret isometric and orthographic blueprints, layouts, and assembly.
Jerad Hembree
Vice-President/Director of Admissions
Jerad is a 2003 graduate of MWI and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Missouri State University as well as an Associate’s degree in Drafting and Design Technology. Jerad is certified in and has experience with all 4 major weldings processed on both plate and pipe. He has experience in the field working as a pipe welder, pipefitter, foreman, and welding inspector.
Ryan Larson
Assistant Director of Training
Ryan is a 2000 graduate of Missouri Welding Institute, and since graduating he has worked on several jobs that gave him professional experience in a variety of areas that have shaped him into a well-rounded craftsman and instructor.
Mr. Larsen has worked on chemical plants, food processing plants, boilers and steam generating systems, ammonia refrigeration systems, portable custom welding ships, industrial electrical, custom racecars, and automotive fabrication.
Ryan has also been certified by both AWS- American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding code and ASME- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure vessel code. Ryan has years of welding experience with the four major welding processes (TIG, Stick, MIG, and Flux Core) on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Anthony Ammerman
Assistant Director of Training
Anthony graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in August of 2008 and has since worked new construction, shutdowns, add-ons, as well as shop and manufacturing. Some of the places he has worked include coal-fired power plants, natural gas-fired power plants, and nuclear enrichment facilities.
Anthony has extensive experience with all four major welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core) and is also certified to both AWS – American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. He has been certified to weld on various alloys which include carbon steel, stainless steel, 9% chrome, aluminum, and Inconel. Anthony has also obtained his Certified Welding Inspector certification.
Dave Foreman
Assistant Director of Training
Dave graduated in October 2000 and started working shutdowns and turnarounds all around the country. Lately, he’s been running a rig truck in oilfield related industries including Natural Gas Plants, Booster Stations, and Refineries. He has a background supervising Pipefitter and Welder crews. Dave is certified to AWS D1.1-American Welding Society (structural welding code) as well as ASME Section IX- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (boiler and pressure vessel code). He has experience in all major welding processes. SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW and has certified on carbon, stainless steel, and other various alloys and welded them in all positions. He has also gotten his CWI certification.
Zach Nance
Director of Placement
Zach graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in the fall of 1998. Since graduating Zach has worked shutdowns, new construction, and expansions in oil and gas refineries, natural gas plants, coal mines, chemical plants, oil fields, ethanol plants, and fabrication shops.
Zach has worked as a certified combination welder, combination rig welder, and pipefitter. He is certified in carbon steel, stainless steel, 9% chrome, and Inconel, and is highly proficient with the four major welding processes which include: GTAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW.
Will Carneal
Admissions Representatives
Admissions representative Will Carneal was so determined to become a welder that he began attending Missouri Welding Institute the day after he graduated from Skyline High School in Urbana, Missouri. He completed his welding training in September 2011 and worked in numerous industries, including refrigeration, oil refineries, steel mills, and nuclear power plants. He has earned AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, API 1104, ASME B31.5 certifications and used his expertise as an instructor at MWI for two years. Will enjoys sharing his love of welding with future students and encouraging them to change their own lives by learning the craft.
Montana Hembree
Admissions Representatives
Montana Hembree graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in 2012 and returned as an admissions representative in 2020. With 10 years of experience in welding, fitting and fabricating, he has worked on a wide variety of projects across the nation. He’s certified in AWS D1.1, API 1104, and ASME Section IX 6010 root 7018 fill and cap on 2”, TIG root and hot with 7018 fill and cap on 2”, and tig all the way on 2”. Montana enjoys informing high school students about trade schools and their career possibilities, helping to find scholarships and watching students establish successful careers after they graduate.
Robert Long
Admissions Representatives
Robert Long has served as an admissions representative at Missouri Welding Institute since 2018. He grew up in Hardy, Arkansas and is currently living in Salem, Arkansas where he serves as one of our outside admissions representatives.
Robert has experience as a former high school welding and trades instructor and holds a BSE in Agriculture Education and MSE in Vocational Administration.
As a graduate and employee of MWI it is Robert’s goal to aid students in identifying the benefits of welding careers and the quality of curriculum and training offered here. Quality instruction, hard work and good communication skills are essential for success in our profession.
Rylan Resco
Admissions Representatives
Rylan has been an admissions representative since 2016. He grew up in Clyde, Kansas where he worked on the family farm. Rylan graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in 2012. After graduating, Rylan went into the field and worked on coal power plants, water towers, and biodiesel plants. Rylan works to inform potential students of the many opportunities that are available after graduating from our programs. In his free time, Rylan enjoys taking his 5 kids hunting and fishing and working with his wife on their family farm in Moran, Kansas.
Joshua Sauer
Admissions Representatives
Joshua grew up in Scott City, Kansas, and graduated in December 2001. Upon graduation from Missouri Welding Institute in 2006, he worked primarily in oil refineries and petrol chemical facilities. He also worked in food processing plants, ethanol plants, and power plants across the United States and overseas. He has also worked on some pipelines. Josh gained certificates in carbon, stainless, chrome, Inconel, Monel, and super duplex with AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.1 and B31.3. Josh began working as an Admissions Representative for MWI in 2021 covering the State of Kansas talking to students about the welding profession and some of the jobs he has had over the years.
Wes Winchell
Admissions Representatives
Since graduating from MWI in 2001, Wes has worked and welded on shutdowns, expansions, and new construction in ethanol plants, biodiesel plants, chemical, natural gas food grade as well as fabrication. Wes has also worked as a fitter as well as a foreman for 5 years for Multi-Craft contractors. He has extensive experience with all four major welding processes, including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. Wes is also certified by both AWS-American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME-American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Chad Cargill
Instructors
Chad graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in August of 2002. After graduating he has worked on coal-fired power plants, fuel-fired power plants, food processing plants, as well as shop and manufacturing. Chad also has his own portable welding service and has worked on projects consisting of new construction, shutdowns, and expansions.
Chad has extensive experience with all four major welding processes which include: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. Chad is also certified to both AWS-American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME-American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Jeremiah Heiserman
Instructors
Jeremiah Heiserman graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in 2015, and since graduating has worked on bio-diesel plants, hot-rolled metal plants, as well as shop and manufacturing jobs. Jeremiah also owns and operates his own mobile welding service. Jeremiah has extensive experience with all four major welding processes which include: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. Jeremiah is also certified to both AWS- American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding code and ASME- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure vessel code. Mr. Heiserman has certified to weld on various alloys which include carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome mag, aluminum, and Inconel.
Corey Hurshman
Instructors
Corey grew up in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri Welding institute in April 2013. After graduating, he worked in steel mills, tank farms, compressor stations, food-grade fabrication shops, railroad load-out stations, ethanol plants, coal-fired power plants, plastics plants, chemical plants, and oil refineries. He has extensive experience in all four major welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core). Corey is also certified by both AWS- American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding code and ASME-American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure vessel code. He has been certified to weld on various alloys which include carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome mag, aluminum, and Inconel. He also is able to read and interpret isometric and orthographic blueprints, layouts, and assembly.
Bill Redburn
Instructors
William (Bill) Redburn grew up in a small town about 20 miles from Nevada, Missouri. A high school friend attended Missouri Welding Institute and was making a good living as a traveling welder when he convinced Bill to attend. Bill graduated from MWI in 1998 and spent 22 years traveling across the country. While on the road, Bill worked as a welder, pipefitter, and field machinist. Bill began his instructor career at MWI in 2021 and has since enjoyed training the next generation of tradespersons.
Scott Schluckebier
Instructors
Scott Schluckenbier grew up in Columbia, Missouri. He graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in 2009. Before joining MWI as an instructor, he worked all over the country working in oil and gas refineries, ethynol plants, powerhouses, chemical plants, and processing plants. He has had certifications in various pipe materials, from carbon steel to almost all exotic alloys. He also has certifications in most welding processes. As an instructor, Scott aims to give as much direction and advice as he can to all his students who come to Missouri Welding Institute. He has obtained his CWI certification.
Colton Flores
Instructors
Colton Flores graduated from MWI in early 2018. His first job was on new construction, building an ethanol plant. From there, he worked for the same company for 5–6 years in southwest Kansas, where he gained extensive experience in welding, fitting, reading and interpreting blueprints, and custom fabrication for one of the best contractors in the area. Over the years, Colton worked numerous shutdowns, emergency repairs, add-ons, and new construction projects. He became well-rounded in the trade and began offering his craft to many farmers through mobile welding, as well as other contractors in his spare time. His work experience includes dairies, ethanol plants, processing plants, coal plants, fabrication shops, and feed yards building flakers.
Gerrad Vickers
Instructors
Gerrad Vickers attended Missouri Welding Institute in the fall of 1995 for the Structural course. Afterward, he traveled and worked shutdowns for a year, saving up to return in the fall of 1996 to complete the Pipe course. He spent the next 12 years running shutdowns in refineries and power plants, as well as working on new construction projects. In 2007–2008, he assembled his first rig truck and began working in the oilfields, refineries, and pipelines, where he continued until October of 2023.
Derrick Hoard
Instructors
Derrick grew up in Collins, MO, and graduated from MWI in 2014. Since graduating, he has traveled to 48 states, working a variety of jobs including chemical plants, power plants, refineries, refrigeration, food grade, paper mills, and ethanol plants. Derrick has been certified through both AWS D1.1 for Structural and ASME Section IX of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. He has also been certified to weld various alloys including carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, Inconel, and Monel. In addition to welding, Derrick has fitting experience in the field and the ability to read and interpret a wide range of drawings and blueprints. He is also planning to obtain his Certified Welding Inspector Certification.
Logan Brewer
Instructors
Logan graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in April of 2017 and has since worked in various industries including food-grade plants, chemical plants, ethanol plants, and steel mills. He has experience with a wide range of piping systems including hot oil containment, ammonia refrigeration, chemical reaction, and food-grade sanitary systems. He has extensive knowledge of the four major welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW). Logan is certified to both the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. He has expertise, and is certified, in welding numerous alloys including carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, inconel, hastelloy, aluminum, magnesium, and 5% and 9% chrome. In addition, he has extensive knowledge in reading and interpreting isometric and orthographic blueprints, as well as layout and assembly.
Stiel Carter
Instructors
Stiel graduated from MWI in April 2013. After graduation, he spent six years working with a company on shutdowns and new construction projects at ethanol plants, asphalt plants, and oil plants. Following that, he worked for one year on a new construction job in Sedalia, MO. He then started and operated his own business for about a year. Subsequently, he worked for a period chasing drilling rigs across West Texas and New Mexico before returning to MWI.
Ethan Volkman
Instructors
Ethan graduated from Missouri Welding Institute in September of 2018. Since then, he has worked on new construction, shutdowns, expansions as well as shop facilities. Some of those include ethanol plants, biodiesel plants, fabrication facilities, oil refineries, power plants and steam turbine power plants, and even food grade facilities. Along with working in management as a supervisor over pipe fitter and welder crews Ethan has gained an extensive knowledge of TIG, MIG, Stick, and flux core welding and has been certified on carbon, stainless, as well as other various alloys. He is certified AWS D1.1 structural welding codes and ASME Section IX Boiler and Pressure Welding Codes. Ethan also has the ability to read and interpret isometric and orthographic blueprints, layouts, and assembly.
Skylar Sowder
Instructors
Skylar Sowder grew up in Kirksville, Missouri, and graduated from the Missouri Welding Institute in 2005. He holds a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification and brings a wealth of experience from across the welding industry. Throughout his career, Skylar has worked in a wide range of industries, including chemical plants, power plants, pharmaceutical and food-grade facilities, paper mills, steel mills, oil refineries, gas separation and compression stations, ethanol and biodiesel plants, water treatment facilities, and rare earth mines. His background also includes custom fabrication, pipe fabrication, pipeline work, and aerospace projects. As an instructor at MWI, Skylar’s goal is to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of welders. He is passionate about giving back to the industry, helping students with welding and pipefitting questions, and setting them up for success once they leave the institute.
Darian McCracken
Instructors
Darian McCracken grew up in Monett, Missouri. He graduated from the Missouri Welding Institute in 2018 and has since worked in over twenty states. His experience includes projects in ethanol plants, coal power plants, ink plants, breweries, wineries, pharmaceutical plants, and food processing companies. He has worked on industrial refrigeration installation, and was involved in building bridges and tunnels. Darian also owned and operated a sanitary piping company, managing a six-man crew. He is proficient in reading blueprints and piping and instrumentation diagrams. Darian is a certified pipe welder per the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section IX and a certified structural welder under AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1. He has extensive experience with welding processes including SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW in all positions. With comprehensive knowledge of welding discontinuities and defects, he is skilled in repairing them, as well as reading and drafting detailed isometric pipe drawings. He also has in-depth knowledge of pipe takeoffs, offsets, and rolling offsets. As an instructor, Darian is dedicated to instilling confidence, craftsmanship, drive, and dependability in his students at MWI. He encourages his students to be successful and respectful, and is committed to continuous improvement by seeking feedback to enhance his teaching methods. His goal is to empower students to surpass even his own accomplishments.
Natasha Carney
Director's Assistant
Natasha Carney joined the Missouri Welding Institute staff in 2020 and wears many hats as director’s assistant. From overseeing government agency reporting and course recertifications to organizing finances, Natasha plays a crucial role in office operations and education compliance. Formerly a banker, Natasha uses her experience in finance to help students secure grants and scholarships for their welding education.
Vanessa Howell
Housing Assistant
Vanessa is the Housing Assistant for Missouri Welding Institute. In this role, she manages the Simple Housing properties and helps in the office. She grew up in Nevada, Missouri, and joined the MWI team in November 2022. Vanessa works to ensure that the tenants are comfortable while attending MWI.
Jason Hinds
Head of Maintenance
Jason began working at Missouri Welding Institute in 2015 as the head of maintenance where his goals are to ensure that the day-to-day function of facilities for smooth. He grew up in Nevada, Missouri where he has more than 20 years as a machinist and auto mechanic.
Jordan Chadd
Secretary
Jordan grew up in the Nevada, Missouri area and has been with the Missouri Welding Institute since April 2022. While she is not a certified welder herself, she learned to weld growing up. She has a degree in business and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in finance. Jordan is currently married with two little boys and a dog. She works on improving the organization of the office, store, and warehouse, as well as digitizing the paperwork, and improving the work environment.
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