Barrett Pirtle: Lighting Up the Welding World | Butler Community College

We use cookies to give you the best experience and to help improve our website. How we use cookies.

Apply
Give
APPLY GIVE

Barrett Pirtle: Lighting Up the Welding World

Barrett Pirtle with his large check.
Early College Academy grad Barrett Pirtle with his winnings from the recent Heartland Welding Academy competition. (Courtesy Photo)
Published: Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Butler instructor calls Early College Academy grad “one of the best students I’ve ever had.”

At just 18 years old, Barrett Pirtle isn’t your average teenager. While most high school seniors are still deciding on a college or summer job, the Leon, Kansas, native was putting himself in position to land a six-figure job in a competitive industry—all thanks to a welding hood and a relentless drive.

A student of Butler’s Early College Academy, Pirtle’s journey kicked off with a spark. Drawn to welding for its peace and artistic precision, he finds solace in the silence beneath the hood. “All I think about is keeping that electrode steady and constant,” he said.

He entered his first-ever competition at Heartland Welding Academy in Andover earlier this year. Intimidated but determined, he walked in with low expectations. Nonetheless, Pirtle walked out a champion, clutching an $18,500 prize. “I had very little faith in myself,” he admitted. “But I ended up coming out with a 1st place win.”

Fueled by this success, Barrett stumbled upon another competition hosted by the Kentucky Welding Institute. “I thought I had a decent chance to get top 10,” he recalled. Facing off against 125 other competitors, Barrett didn’t just hold his own—he placed 4th, winning $2,000 in prizes and $4,500 in scholarships.

Longtime Butler welding instructor Matt Galbraith wasn’t surprised. “He’s one of the best students I’ve ever had, if not the best,” said Galbraith. According to him, Barrett’s skill stems from a powerful mix of natural talent and relentless ambition. “What impresses me the most is he is absolutely driven to be the best he can be at everything he chooses to pursue.”

As it turns out, welding was just the beginning for Pirtle. Deep down, he always dreamed of working in refinery operations like his dad. Crafting a strong resumé filled with numerous certifications and accomplishments, he applied for a position at Clean Harbors Oil Refinery in Wichita. Out of 55 applicants, he got the job. Three days after graduating from Butler, he started his six-figure career.

From welding beads to breaking down barriers, Barrett Pirtle is proof that passion, hard work, and confidence can ignite a future brighter than a welding arc.