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Keenai, 29, is from Springfield, Ohio. He completed the Welding & Pipefitting training program at Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville in May 2025.
Thanks for your time, Keenai. What did you do before enrolling at TWS? 
I was in the United States Marine Corps for four years after high school, working as a diesel mechanic. I was supposed to be a combat engineer – blowing things up – but they said they lost my contract and reassigned me as a diesel mechanic. Before that, I had zero mechanical experience. I learned everything in the Marine Corps. I stayed in that line of work for about seven years after leaving the service; I also completed my associate degree in that field in 2024.
Thank you for your service; why did you decide to leave that profession?
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Over time, the requirements for diesel mechanics went up, but the pay didn’t keep pace. So, I bounced around between a few miscellaneous jobs before deciding to attend Tulsa Welding School.
Where did the idea of welding and pipefitting come from?
I’d always had an interest in welding because some of my buddies were welders. I used to watch welding videos and thought it looked really cool, but I’d never tried it myself. One day my wife suggested I pursue it seriously. She found Tulsa Welding School, we talked to Ms. Millie there, and I decided to enroll in the welding program.
Did you start with the Professional Welder program and later add the pipefitting courses?
Yes, I started on the seven-month Professional Welder program and added the pipefitting course afterward.
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Why did you decide to add Pipefitting?
I wanted more welding experience under my belt, and the instructors told me there was a lot of money in the pipefitting side of the trade. I figured it would give me some versatility and duality, an extra skill set. Plus, the GI Bill covered my tuition, and it only required an extra two and half months. It just made sense.
Good for your wife for encouraging you down this path. How long have you been married?
It’ll be 11 years this coming March. Elyza and I got married pretty much right out of high school. I was 19.
That’s awesome! Did you work while attending TWS?
I was working, but not as a mechanic. I worked at Dollar General – just something to keep money in my pocket. I did afternoon and night classes, so I worked in the morning.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Tulsa Welding School?
Definitely the hands-on aspect. A lot of schools claim to be hands-on but really aren’t. At Tulsa Welding School, it was hands-on from start to finish. I learn best by doing it, so that worked great for me.
Did you ever weld before attending Tulsa? Maybe try it with the buddies you mentioned?
Nope – I never picked up a welding torch in my life before school. I was as green as they come!
When you got into the program, did welding come naturally, or did you have days of frustration?
Oh, there were definitely tough days where I thought, “I’m not cut out for this.” But I’m a determined guy, and with my wife’s support, I kept pushing through, got better, and finished strong.
Besides your wife’s encouragement, what else helped you push through?
I’d ask classmates who were doing well for tips, and I often went to instructors for advice. Sometimes I’d stay late to practice more.
Well done for persevering. You graduated in May, we’re in November…Where are you working?
I’m currently working for BAE Systems – Jacksonville Maritime Solutions – as a welder. This week marks my one-month anniversary. I work four 10-hour shifts – Thursday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. – and I’m off Monday through Wednesday. I love it. It gives me time to recharge and still get my hours in, plus there are overtime opportunities if I speak to my supervisors.
Congratulations, that’s a nice schedule! Is this your first welding job?
Yes, it is. After graduation, I applied to several places and had a few interviews, but they mostly went with more experienced welders. BAE was the first company to give me a shot. I’m working on ship repair – both Navy and commercial. We do a mix of repairs and some new construction, though the more experienced guys handle the new builds. Our main focus is repairs to get ships ready to go back out. Once I’m experienced enough to work on new ships, it’ll be awesome to see a ship launch and say, “I helped build that.”
Good for you — perseverance pays off again. How did you connect with BAE?
They held a hiring event at Tulsa Welding School. I went along, and they ended up hiring everyone who attended. It’s cool that graduates can still access school hiring events even months later.
Did you stay with Dollar General until this job came through?
For a while, but eventually they let me go. I was unemployed briefly before joining BAE.
There’s that perseverance! Was your first welding paycheck a nice bump from Dollar General?
Oh yeah, a huge jump – around two to three hundred dollars more per paycheck.
Excellent! Are you excited about the financial potential in this career?
Definitely. Talking with my supervisors and the more experienced welders, there’s a lot of opportunity to grow and move up here at BAE. Showing up, keeping your head down, and doing the work goes a long way.
What’s your career plan from here? Do you see yourself staying with BAE long term?
My plan is to stick with BAE for a good while, get as much experience as I can, and then maybe move into subcontracting — taking the advice of some senior welders.
Is that what’s often called travel welding?
Yes, sir. Subcontracting means going wherever the work is — different shipyards, pipelines, different projects – it can be pretty varied.
Are you open to traveling for work? You’ve mentioned your wife Elyza a few times – any kids at home?
No kids. My wife and I have been talking about traveling for a while now, actually.
That’s great. What gives you the most satisfaction about your new trade? What do you enjoy the most?
Honestly, it’s being able to put my hood down and focus on the work – just me and the weld, blocking everything else out. I love seeing a clean, solid weld and knowing I did that.A lot of people say that welding is almost Zen like! Did you make any lasting connections at school?
Yes, a couple of my classmates work at BAE with me now actually.
What advice would you give to new students just starting at Tulsa Welding School?
Be persistent. Don’t give up if things don’t go your way at first. Ask questions, listen to the experienced folks, and soak up as much knowledge as you can – it’ll pay off.
If you’re a TWS graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year), program, and campus name (Tulsa/Jacksonville/Houston/Dallas).
