Phone: 573-659-3100

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Kenny Thomas

I have been teaching at Nichols Career Center since 2007-2008. I have 37 years of experience in the welding industry.  I am a certified Union Sheet Metal worker, certified welder, and owned my successful welding business for 11 years. I specialize in aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron welding.  I've been married since 1984 with 3 children. My interest is hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends.

 
Welding has been my passion in life ever since I struck my first rod. I love to make and fix things. Having a skill that is in high demand and enjoy doing it gives me a sense of accomplishing a very successful career. 

  • Best times to reach me: 7:30 to 7:50 am, 11:00 - 11:40 am, or 2:45 - 3:15 pm

     

    Welding Careers
     
    • Welders & Cutters
    • Welding Fitter
    • Sheet Metal Worker
    • Structural Metal Worker
    • Welding Machine Operator
    • Welding Foreman/Management
    • Welding Teacher/Training
    • Welding Sales
    • Certified Welding Inspector
    • Welding Machine Repair
    • Welding Engineer
     
    Salary Ranges
     

    Most entry-level welding positions pay $18.00 to $45.00 per hour with the potential to earn up to approximately $40,000 per year or more, at the end of the first year of employment. Some employment opportunities offer even more pay depending on ability and the motivation of the individual.The skill of welding is in very high demand.

    You may decide to continue your education. Nichols Career Center has an agreement with State Fair Community College of Sedalia. Students attending this college may earn 4 credit hours for classes already taken at Nichols. Students must earn a "B" or higher in order to receive this credit.

    Additionally, students may choose to enroll in Linn State Technical College for two years and pursue their Associate of Applied Science degree. 

    Students also may choose to go further and advance their skills with Missouri Welding School in Nevada,Mo., or Tulsa Welding School, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, American Welding Academy, in Union, Mo., Iron Eagle in Stockton, Mo.