{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"399. From Helper to Foreman: Building a Career in Structural Steel with Chad Doucette","description":"Chad Doucette, foreman at Ace Welding in Oceanside, California, joins Jason Becker on the Arch Junkies Podcast to talk about going from a random job offer on the street to running a structural steel shop \u2014 all in five years. Chad breaks down the real path to growth in this industry: why the helper position is the most underrated opportunity in any shop, how attitude and work ethic matter more than your cert, and why he's now setting his sights on the CWI. He also gets candid about where he came from, how welding changed his life, and the mindset shift that made all the difference. If you're early in your career, thinking about the CWI, or just need a shot of motivation \u2014 this one's for you. Topics covered: Starting as a shop helper \u00b7 Growing into a foreman role \u00b7 What Chad looks for when hiring \u00b7 Pursuing the CWI exam \u00b7 Running a structural solar canopy shop \u00b7 Mindset, health, and building a life you love in the trades. &amp;nbsp;   \ud83d\udd25  Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors   The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.  Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.   \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f  Arc Junkies Podcast    Website:  https:\/\/arcjunkies.com   Instagram:  @ArcJunkiesPodcast   YouTube:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@arcjunkiespodcast9253   Email:  show@arcjunkies.com   LinkedIn (Jason Becker):  https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-becker-45407b72    \ud83e\udde2  Arc Junkies Merch:https:\/\/shop.threadmob.com\/arcjunkie\/shop\/home     \ud83c\udfed  Underground Metal Works   Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals    Website:  https:\/\/www.underground-metalworks.com      \ud83e\udd1d  Friends of the Show &amp;amp; Sponsors     \ud83e\uddf0  BattlBox   Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly    Website: https:\/\/alnk.to\/90Chh6D   Instagram:  @BattlBox   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox      \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f  American Welding Society \u2014 Conferences   Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership   AWS Inspection Expo &amp;amp; Conference    Event Info:   https:\/\/www.aws.org\/community-and-events\/conferences-and-events\/inspection-expo-and-conference\/   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free gift at the event      \ud83e\udde4  Outlaw Leather LLC   Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last    Website:  https:\/\/outlawleather.com   Instagram:  @outlawleatherusa   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  15% off all in-stock leather goods      \u26a1  Everlast Welders   High-performance welding machines without the high price tag    Website:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/37xJstI   Instagram:  @everlastwelders   YouTube:  Everlast Welders   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases      \ud83c\udfa7  ISOtunes   Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication    Website:  https:\/\/shop.isotunes.com\/arcjunkies10   Instagram:  @isotunesaudio   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES10   Offer:  Save $10 on your purchase  &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Arc Junkies","author_url":"https:\/\/arcjunkies.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40814415\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40814415"}