Jordan Packer: The Utah welder who competed against the world
Jordan Packer grew up in Provo and started welding in high school. In the trade, he found a passion for “anything metal.”
“It’s what I eat, sleep and breathe,” Packer said.
As Packer pursued his love of metal, he found himself at Utah State University’s Eastern campus, where he honed his skills in the welding technology program.
Austin Welch, the assistant welding professor at USU Eastern, said during his time teaching Packer, he’s seen his immense talent.
“Imagine what it would be like to work at perfecting one thing for 90% of your waking hours,” Welch said in an email to the Statesman. “No hobbies, no recreation, no vacations, just work.”
Packer’s dedication paid off when he qualified for the WorldSkills welding competition in Cleveland, Ohio. According to the website, WorldSkills competitions “encourage vocational training to the highest level.”
Packer explained each competition has four modules. Each module involves a combination of different welding skills. A welder who is only skilled in one aspect of the trade cannot pass all four modules.
One of the tests consisted of a weld between two intersecting plates making a T-shape. Packer explained the plates are then broken, and judges examine the broken pieces to determine the skill level of each welder.
Another test involved a widget welded to specific dimensions known as a pressure vessel.
“My pressure vessel was a royal pain,” Packer said. “The entire time it was fighting me.”
Upon completion of the welds, the vessel was then placed under extreme pressure from within to test Packer’s performance.
Despite some of the day’s challenges, Packer successfully completed all four modules and placed third against contenders from around the world.
Welch was proudly praised Packer.
“It takes a level of determination, perseverance and an exceptional work ethic that frankly, most people don’t have,” Welch said.
But Packer is humble about his achievements, and he looks forward to serving on the WorldSkills United States committee.
“Once you compete, you’re on that committee for life,” he said. “I’ll be raising up the next generation of welders.”
Packer also has plans are in place to start a business. He intends to call the company “Kickstart Welding and Fabrication.”
“Ultimately, I’ll probably go the entrepreneurial route and continue starting businesses,” Packer said. “Obviously, the welding industry is still my industry. In 10 years, I hope to not have to work.”
Packer’s advice to those interested in learning his trade is to get into competition.
“That’s going to help you better yourself for free. It also gives you opportunities to meet people and get to know specific aspects of the industry,” he said.
Packer said there are plenty of opportunities in the welding industry.
“Just work hard. Put your head down and grind,” he said.
Welch had similar advice for beginner welders.
“Become a ‘sponge’, and learn everything you can — forever, not just while you’re a beginner,” Welch said. “Everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach.”
-Tanner.Thomsen@usu.edu
Submitted photo