--- title: "Experienced Welding Instructors | Welding & Pipe Fitting | Western Welding Academy" url: "https://www.westernweldingacademy.com/who-we-are" --- ![](/_astro/instructor-team-bw.DRsC3W1j_Z1WEVEQ.jpg) 1. [Home](/) 2. /who we are The crew · Gillette, WY # Who we are 330 years of combined instructor experience, in the booth with you every day. [Meet the instructors](#instructors) [Schedule a tour](/schedule-a-tour) At WWA, experienced working welders teach students how to weld pipe. Western Welding Academy puts in the work with you to maximize your potential out in the field, and be a successful welder. ![Tyler Sasse, founder of Western Welding Academy](/_astro/tyler-sasse.C6I0SLIv_s6raV.jpg) Founder & CEOTyler Sasse Founder and lead instructor ## Meet Tyler Sasse Tyler Sasse is the owner and founder of Western Welding Academy and our lead instructor. His well-earned nationwide reputation is one of quality and knowledge. He holds American Welding Society (AWS) and other welding certifications. Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, invited Sasse to provide input into development of the new Dynamic DIG™ software for the [Big Blue® 400 PipePro®.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhokFjMdq9M) His ability to lead and manage people allowed him to be involved in some of the country’s largest construction projects. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MhokFjMdq9M/maxresdefault.jpg)Tyler with MillerPipeline Welder Gets Sneak Peek at New Dynamic DIG Technology](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhokFjMdq9M) The best of the best ## Our instructors Real welders from pipelines, plants and job sites. Tap a name for the full story. - [ ![Chris Fink, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/chris-fink.7OkS6FiA_mgDDo.jpg) 1st Shift Lead Instructor - TC2 ### Chris Fink I started welding with my father as a kid, and my interest in the welding industry took off when we turned a totaled truck into a showpiece. Full bio ](/instructors/chris-fink) - [ ![David Zajac, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/david-zajac.CNHC3Vr8_IIMN0.jpg) 1st Shift Classroom Instructor ### David Zajac My journey into welding was driven by my quest for knowledge and excellence, which led me to explore Stick, Tig, and Mig welding. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the growth of my students. Full bio ](/instructors/david-zajac) - [ ![Glenn Ogden, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/glenn-ogden.DAI9l-4D_2qRy8x.jpg) 1st Shift Classroom Instructor ### Glenn Ogden Before I came to Western Welding Academy, I had worked on industrial construction for about 24 years helping build power plants, refineries, compressor units, and all kinds of stuff all over the west. Full bio ](/instructors/glenn-ogden) - [ ![James Packard, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/james-packard.CP2pbMeq_Z29iiik.jpg) 2nd Shift Coordinator ### James Packard I got into welding in high school when a friend of mine who was a couple years older graduated and went to work as a welder. When he showed me his paycheck I was hooked. Full bio ](/instructors/james-packard) - [ ![Joe Stockdale, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/joe-stockdale.B7vK3OqV_16HcYI.jpg) 2nd Shift Classroom Instructor ### Joe Stockdale I have over 35 years of experience in the field that’s taken me from the Navy to working for my own company, and now to teach the next generation of welders. Full bio ](/instructors/joe-stockdale) - [ ![John Parks, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/john-parks.De8g8mLc_Z1Qvnqo.jpg) Director of Instruction ### John Parks With around 6 years of professional welding experience and several more years of welding on the side, most of my background comes from working on everything from structural I-beams to pipe. Full bio ](/instructors/john-parks) - [ ![Lance Whisenant, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/lance-whisenant.9OJfKHRC_RPDmM.jpg) 2nd Shift Instructor - TC1 ### Lance Whisenant I first discovered welding during Ag Class in high school. I’ve always enjoyed building things, and this craft has become my passion. Full bio ](/instructors/lance-whisenant) - [ ![Matt Hahn, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/matt-hahn.BKIa_G_t_21J6Fx.jpg) 1st Shift Instructor (TC1) ### Matt Hahn Western Welding Academy pipe welding instructor focused on hands on training and helping students build real skills in the booth. Full bio ](/instructors/matthew-hahn) - [ ![Nate Farnsworth, Western Welding Academy instructor](/_astro/nate-farnsworth.BinIlJE-_Z1avGc9.jpg) 2nd Shift Lead Instructor - TC1 ### Nate Farnsworth I'm Nate Farnsworth, originally from Buffalo, Wyoming. When I'm not welding, you'll find me indulging in my hobbies, which include building things, hiking, camping, and serving as a Boy Scout leader. Full bio ](/instructors/nate-farnsworth) Sharp minds. Strong backs. ## Why Western Welding Academy Western Welding Academy exists for one reason: to build welders who are ready to work on day one. Every program is designed around what employers actually need on the jobsite. Students train on [real pipe](/courses) and [structural steel](/courses/advanced-structural-welding) with instructors who have done the work themselves for decades. The numbers tell the story. 2,000+ graduates have come through Western Welding Academy. 94% are hired within 90 days, based on a 234-alumni survey conducted in November 2024. Western Welding Academy is located in Gillette, Wyoming. Students come from across the country to train here for the combination of booth time, instructor experience, and career outcomes. If you want to see it for yourself, call [(307) 284-5313](tel:+13072845313) to schedule a tour or [apply online today](/apply). [View our programs](/courses) [Contact us](/contact) [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G1YVNw2gXUc/maxresdefault.jpg)Inside lookInside look Into Western Welding Academy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1YVNw2gXUc) ## Learn from welders who've done the work Apply in minutes or come meet the crew on a campus tour. [Apply now](/apply) [Schedule a tour](/schedule-a-tour)[(307) 284-5313](tel:+1-307-284-5313)