by Nina Cray
Just two years ago, coronavirus was at its peak, causing shut-downs and uncertainty for many – Jaelin Grey, a 25-year-old Buffalo native, included.
Grey, who attended Buffalo’s Northland Workforce Training Center, finished his final semester of his Welding Technology program in the fall of 2020, officially graduating the following spring with a GPA of 3.9.
His success didn’t come without obstacles. The struggle coronavirus caused added a lot of stress and uncertainty – but Grey had a huge inspiration to power through.
Calia, Grey’s now five-year-old daughter, was always at the forefront of his mind.
“My relationship with my daughter is something I have always held in high regard,” Grey said. She inspired him to provide stability and a better life financially for her.
Grey said he spent the year following his Northland program completion taking care of his daughter full-time and didn’t start working a welding job until October of 2021.
When the time came, Grey’s experience in the Welding Technology program at Northland had well-positioned him for a role with PNG Steel Products as a welder. Grey started off welding on the fabrication team, primarily doing “MIG” welding, which stands for “metal inner gas.” He was eventually promoted to the tool room, where he primarily does “TIG” welding, which stands for “tungsten inner gas.”
Prior to Northland, Grey worked as a carpenter/property manager where he developed skills that are very useful in welding like measuring and cutting. Grey said he has done assembly line fixtures, worked on radiator frames for trucks and molded product pieces.
Welding requires very technical and specific skills, but certain safety measures must be followed as well.
Due to highly concentrated ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted by the welding process, a safety helmet – often called an auto darkening helmet – must be worn so a welder can be as safe and precise as possible.
Welding without proper eye and face protection is similar to staring at the sun, Grey said. It can cause a condition called “arc eyes,” which is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the eye’s cornea. This gear also protects from heat and flash burns.
Despite the dangers, Grey really enjoys his work as a welder and says he has a passion for it.
“The things that we spend most of our time doing, we should enjoy,” Grey said.
He made many friends at Northland and owes thanks to everyone who helped him during his program.
“I want to say thank you to my teachers, Mr. Hughson, Mr. Piazza, Mr. Tucker, Mrs. Brown & my career coaches, Katherine and Wade and Jason,” Grey said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
*As seen in our publication Northland Workforce Training Center is Training for What’s Next find them on northlandwtc.org