Matt Braden
Profession: Welder
Age: 30
What do you do for a living?
I am the lead welding instructor for the Refrigeration School, Inc., a welding, HVAC and electrical trade school in Phoenix.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
It took 11 years of hard work and dedication as a welder to reach my level of experience along with educational training to perform as an instructor and even more to become a lead instructor.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing how the knowledge I have can reshape and change the lives of so many people by developing their careers and also forge the welding industry for the future.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be an mechanical engineer when I was young but realized I love the adrenaline that came with welding at the age of 18.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
No matter what, never give up! The world of welding is hard but not impossible. We are a rare breed that combines the hands of a surgeon and the creativity of an artist to build the world around us. Stay determined, stay focused, stay busy!
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I am a soccer coach for my kids’ soccer teams and made it to state championships for multiple years in a row!
