full

full
Published on:

26th Jun 2024

Building Careers Through Welding: Matt Scott's Dedication to Teaching and Student Success

Matt Scott shares insights on the future of welding education, his son’s career journey, and the importance of mentorship. With 30 years at Portland Community College, Matt's dedication to the trades and promoting diversity in the industry shines through. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Today, we sit down with Matt Scott, a veteran welding instructor with over 30 years of experience at Portland Community College. Matt shares his passion for teaching, his commitment to quality instruction and curriculum in the welding industry, and his consulting work with the Canadian Welding Bureau.

We dive into the inspiring journey of his son, who transitioned from aspiring math teacher to successful ship superintendent, thanks to a solid foundation in welding education. We'll also explore Matt's active engagement on LinkedIn and Instagram in promoting the trades industry, and the impressive welding program at Portland Community College, which offers extensive training and career opportunities.

Our conversation covers a variety of topics, from the importance of mentorship and soft skills, to efforts to increase the presence of women in the trades. Matt highlights the significant impact of social media in showcasing skilled trades and inspiring the next generation. If you're passionate about the trades, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of our society’s infrastructure – the skilled tradespeople who build our world and keep it running.


Follow Matt Scott:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-scott-cwi-cwe-b87b4014/

Instagram: @pccweldingrc Follow Andrew Brown

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown

Website: https://www.toolfetch.com

Welding industry, welding instruction, welding curriculum, ship superintendent, career advancement, math teacher, traits of a good welder, welding education, Portland Community College, skilled trades, welding consulting, Canadian Welding Bureau, social media in trades, LinkedIn for welding, Instagram for welding, welding program, welding associate degree, maritime welding, ship fitting, welding leadership, welding management courses, wages in welding, welding mentorship, training in welding, women in welding, social media influencers in trades, underwater welding, traditional welding, American Choppers inspiration, welding career paths, skilled labor collaboration

00:00 Inspiring show American Choppers on Discovery Channel.

05:30 Embracing diverse paths to success in careers.

09:14 Tanner graduated, played baseball, then pursued welding.

12:23 Grandparent expresses surprise at grandson’s career change

14:37 Learning to weld is a challenging process.

17:15 Five maritime career pathways, including welding and fitting.

20:06 Maritime program offers comprehensive welding and fitting.

23:12 Frank restructured company to train young workers.

26:15 Teaching teamwork and soft skills to students.

29:47 Promoting women in trades; skills and diversity.

36:01 Individuals find their niche in various industries.

39:10 Passionate about teaching and student success.

40:57 Enthusiastic collaboration with Weld.com during pandemic

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades

About the Podcast

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades




Welcome to The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, the ultimate podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the world of skilled trades. Hosted by Andrew Brown, a passionate advocate for the trades industry and co-founder of Toolfetch, this podcast is your go-to source for knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Andrew brings a unique perspective shaped by years of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to elevating the trades.





Dive into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of skilled trades, where creativity, problem-solving, and dedication come together to build the world around us. From carpentry and HVAC systems to electricians, plumbers, millwrights, and beyond, every episode uncovers the grit, determination, and artistry that define the people behind these essential professions.



Andrew’s journey began with a life-changing moment on September 11, 2001, when he worked alongside tradespeople, first responders, and community helpers at Ground Zero. This experience inspired him to dedicate his life to advocating for the unsung heroes of the trades. Through his company Toolfetch, Andrew has helped provide tools, equipment, and resources to industry professionals worldwide. Now, through this podcast, he continues his mission to spotlight the craftsmanship, hard work, and dedication of tradespeople everywhere.




Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, seasoned professionals, and rising stars in the trades. From contractors and electricians to HVAC specialists, plumbers, carpenters, and more, listeners will gain insider knowledge about the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in these essential fields. Andrew also speaks with educators, advocates, and business leaders who are working to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, offering a fresh perspective on the value and opportunities within the trades.




At its core, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades is more than just a podcast — it’s a celebration of a culture built on pride in craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In a time when traditional career paths are overemphasized, this podcast shines a light on an alternative: rewarding careers in skilled trades that offer creativity, financial stability, and the satisfaction of building something tangible.




Whether you’re a seasoned trades professional, an aspiring craftsman, or simply curious about the industry, this podcast is your ultimate guide to the untold stories and secrets of success in trades like refrigeration, building, plumbing, and construction. Join Andrew Brown as he celebrates the artistry, resilience, and innovation of the skilled trades — and inspires a new generation to pick up the tools that keep our world running.




About Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is a fervent advocate for the skilled trades and is dedicated to addressing and then fixing the trades shortage gap. Through platforms such as social media, podcasts, and live events, he tirelessly promotes the benefits of the trades to students, parents, and educators. For over 23 years Andrew along with his co-founder has built one of the country’s largest on-line tools and equipment eCommerce companies - Toolfetch - focused specifically on the Industrial & Construction Supply Industry.




Follow Andrew Brown

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown

Website: https://www.toolfetch.com




About your host

Profile picture for Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown