Jenn,

Your son deserves all the recognition and encouragement he has earned by facing and dealing with the challenges life has dealt him.  Let him know welders can be a competitive and pretty nosy bunch.  They tend to be unable to prevent themselves from comparing their own work to others, which is different than comparing ones own work to an objective standard.  It boils down to their own basic insecurity.  If they could rise above that their work would actually have the chance to improve.  That said, I did once know a guy who worked with a prosthetic right arm.  It was metal, basically just a two prong grip controlled by the shoulder sling he'd learned to use to hold the "rod holder" for the welding rod.  It was shipyard work in those days which tends to be pretty physical and requires a good deal of heavy lifting and moving of plates and parts.  We used all kinds of devices as mechanical aids- come alongs, slings, cranes and that kind of stuff to get a lot of it done but none of that ever held this guy back.  He was considered a good hand, and the guys all respected him for taking up the challenges of the work and because he did it damn well.  Welding is largely a matter of practice and motivation.  It requires learning to develop some fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination.  The process of learning to weld will also teach one patience and perseverance, which in the end may be even more valuable than welding skills.  Learning to weld will test his ability to overcome frustration, it just comes with the territory.  Just let him know, he can do it.  It will take time and practice and a dedication to excellence and there will be times he'll be ready to throw in the towel, but if he keeps his eye on the goal and works through the setbacks there's no good reason he can't make a career in a trade that's going to be around as long as he needs work.  Beyond that, there are numerous related skill sets in the building of things metal he'll be exposed to as he gets into the trade that offer a wide selection of employment opportunities.  Best wishes to you both.

That is a great achievement on his part just to get to where he is now.  And I second Yojimbo's comments. 

I have worked with a few people with physical limitations through the years but those with the proper attitude, spirit, and character didn't let it stop them.  Many made it drive them to higher levels although that can also be a negative if they refuse to accept any help around the workplace because they don't want people to think they can't do it themselves. 

Remember, we all need help on occasion and even if we CAN do it by ourselves it is faster, easier, and safer with help.  Don't be too proud to ask for and/or accept help. 

You may have to start low on the employment ladder sometimes and EARN the respect of others but it will come.  You just be you and do your best under all circumstances.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I worked for several years in a metal building frame shop with a guy with a shriveled right arm.
At one time or another, he worked every job in the shop, from parts cutting, fitting, welding, material handling, painting to shipping.
He was our most well rounded employee and I wound up promoting him to be the shop Foreman.
At no time whatsoever did he allow being one handed to slow him down in the slightest, nor did he require any special consideration or extra assistance that was not needed by anyone else in the shop.
I suppose his lack of handicap was mostly due to his attitude, determination, mental and physical strength.
Your son can do anything he puts his mind to, though it may require some extra effort on his part.
Welding is a great career path, or career start, for him or anyone else.

Respectfully,
Tim Gary

Hi Jenn.

As many have pointed out - this IS a viable career path. (Regardless of limitation, almost anything is!)

Another track to consider is - if your son is technologically savvy - highly automated welding.  Have him learn the basics but also work with robotic programming, orbital pipe welding, etc.  One can do very well with the adaptation to techonology!

Sounds like your son is an extraordinary young man. Gotta feeling he's gonna be fine.

Jenn,

I was a technical college instructor in Wisconsin for many years.

I might know some people to introduce you to.

Here is the best contact I know.  Ms. Sue Silverstein (silverss@matc.edu)  She teaches at the Milwaukee Technical College (MATC) I hold her in the highest regard.  She has been teaching for many years and also is a very accomplished metal artist.  Tell her Lawrence Bower from Blackhawk Tech sent you.

Here is her LinkedIn thing-a-ma-bob     linkedin.com/in/sue-silverstein-b5107720

If your Son's doctors do not see any compelling issue with him doing this, I have strong confidence that the technical colleges will go far out of their way to assist your son.

EVERYBODY has limitations.  If your son loves this, I think he will be able to carve out a place for himself in time.

Come back from time to time and keep us posted.

Here is my personal email if you have any questions or troubles  Bowerweld1@gmail.com

You might also want to check out mikeroweworks.com.  He might be eligible for scholarship money.