The Left Turn That Paid Off: Tyler VanAuken’s Path in the Maritime Trades

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler VanAuken of Mills Marine to explore a modern skilled-trades career path that goes far beyond welding. Tyler shares how an early interest in art and fabrication led him into the maritime industry, starting as a shop helper and evolving into his current role as Weld Program Manager and Level III NDT Lead—all by age 31.

The conversation dives into fabrication, quality assurance, workforce development, and why trades like welding can open doors to leadership, QA, and technical management roles. Tyler also discusses the importance of trade schools, mentorship, soft skills, and why skilled trades remain essential—even in an age of automation and AI.

This episode is a powerful reminder that where you start isn’t where you have to finish—and that purpose, growth, and opportunity are alive and well in the maritime trades.

Visit www.maritimejobsva.com to discover what career and training opportunities are right for you in the Hampton Roads maritime industry. 

The Regional Maritime Training System (RMTS) was established using a $11 million (41%) Good Jobs Challenge Grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration. It is supported by $12.1 million (46%) provided through BlueForge Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Navy, $850,000 (3%) from the U.S. Department of Labor/ETA – Community Project Funding, and $3.5 million (10%) from non-federal sources.

Transcript

Host:
Today we’re talking with Tyler VanAuken from Mills Marine. We’re kind of going back to the well here—we’ve previously spoken with Donnie Mills, the president and owner of Mills Marine. Tyler was actually referred to us by a mutual contact for this episode.

One of the things that really stands out in this industry is how connected everyone is. It’s almost like three degrees of separation. When you build a good reputation, doors open. Opportunities come your way because people know you.

So Tyler, tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, and how did you get into the industry?

Tyler VanAuken:
As you can see, I’m tattooed, so I come from an artsy family. That’s wearable art. Some of the tattoos were done by my dad—he was a tattoo artist before he retired. Growing up, I played a lot of sports, but art was always a big part of my life.

I didn’t really start working with my hands or building things until middle school or high school. I became fascinated with how things were made—like the weightlifting equipment in my house. I started looking closely at it and realized a lot of it was welded. That’s what really piqued my interest. I thought it would be cool to build things with metal instead of wood.

I did all kinds of art—painting, drawing—and I’m also a musician, which is kind of separate but still related. Welding, especially, has a creative side. Being able to make a weld look good isn’t everything, but it matters—especially for finished or commercial products.

Host:
You mentioned fabrication, which we haven’t talked about much in previous episodes. Welding is one thing, but fabrication is different than just running a long bead on a hull plate. How did you get into that side of things?

Tyler:
I started my career at Fairlead, where I worked for about 10 years before coming to Mills Marine. I came on as a helper, spent time in material control, and eventually got the opportunity to qualify as a welder.

What really helped me early on was that I wasn’t pigeonholed into just welding. I was a fabrication and welding technician, which meant learning how to read blueprints and fabricate on the fly. That foundation made a huge difference. A lot of welders at shipyards don’t get much fabrication experience, so I was fortunate in that respect.

Eventually, production opportunities started to dry up, and I realized I didn’t want to weld day in and day out forever. I wanted to grow—I just didn’t know what that path would look like. I thought maybe I’d end up as a supervisor or foreman, but that’s not how it played out.

Host:
So that’s where the “left turn” came in?

Tyler:
Exactly. An opportunity opened up in the QA department to become a Weld Technician. Our weld engineer had recently left, and that role involved administering weld tests company-wide, qualifying procedures, and managing the weld program.

At that point, I was already a Level II certified Visual Testing (VT) inspector. Visual testing is the most common form of non-destructive testing (NDT). From there, I got much deeper into QA—learning about weld procedures, PQRs, and compliance with NAVSEA standards.

It was a whole world I didn’t even know existed when I started as a shop helper.

Host:
That’s a huge shift—from putting down metal to managing standards, documentation, and compliance.

Tyler:
It really is. Now, a big part of my role is making sure everything is done by the book and done right. Some standards are open to interpretation, and some are very strict. It’s a constant learning process, and I appreciate constructive criticism. The goal is never to stop work—it’s to make sure the final product is safe, effective, and built correctly.

Host:
You also spent time advocating for trade schools.

Tyler:
Absolutely. I went to a welding program in high school through the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology, and I’m a huge advocate for trade schools. They’re an incredible pipeline into both the trades and the maritime industry.

We used to visit these schools regularly to talk with students and encourage them to stick with it. This industry offers real opportunities, and where you start isn’t where you have to finish. Welding can be your foot in the door—not necessarily your final destination.

Host:
And now at Mills Marine, you’ve continued that progression.

Tyler:
Yes. When I came to Mills Marine, I was hired as a QA inspector. They encouraged me to pursue my Level III certification so the company could bring that capability in-house instead of relying on third parties.

They invested in me, and now I’m the Weld Program Manager and Level III NDT lead. I qualify welders, oversee NDT inspectors, and manage the weld program as a whole. Three years ago, I had no idea I’d be here—and now I’m incredibly proud of how far things have come.

Host:
There’s a lot of talk about bringing people into the trades, but people often overlook QA roles.

Tyler:
That’s true. QA applies to far more than welding—electrical, coatings, paint systems. Paint QA alone can be incredibly complex. I’d love to continue growing on the QA management side, but I also believe you shouldn’t jump into a role without being prepared. Experience matters.

That said, former welders often make great inspectors because they understand the pressure and the process. I try to give welders the best chance to pass tests ethically—working with them, showing them techniques, helping them adjust to different equipment. That’s how we grow the workforce.

Host:
What do you enjoy most about your job today?

Tyler:
Seeing people come in with little experience, develop their skills, get qualified, and progress. Watching someone go from entry-level to certified in multiple processes—and advocating for themselves—is incredibly rewarding.

Even 12 years into my career, I’m still learning. Standards evolve, equipment changes, and the industry never stands still.

Host:
What kind of people are you seeing come into the industry?

Tyler:
A mix. Some straight out of high school, some from trade schools, and others from completely different jobs—restaurants, retail—just looking for a way in. Mills Marine does a great job of giving people opportunities if they prove themselves.

Host:
What’s a project you’re most proud of?

Tyler:
One standout was a launch and retrieval system for an unmanned vessel—a prototype with very tight tolerances and complex fabrication. I did about 85% of the fabrication and welding early in my career, and it taught me a lot.

And of course, working on aircraft carriers like the USS Truman. Knowing you played a part in keeping a ship operational—and seeing it later in the news or even in a movie—that’s a great feeling.

Host:
There’s also the question of AI and automation.

Tyler:
AI isn’t replacing skilled trades anytime soon, especially in ship repair. It might make some things easier, but humans will always be needed to build, assemble, and maintain these systems. If anything, it will create new opportunities.

The biggest advice I can give is to be undeniable. Work hard, stay flexible, communicate well, and be open to learning. That mindset opens doors.

Host:
If someone asked what soft skills matter most, what would you say?

Tyler:
Flexibility, an open mind, strong communication, and a good work ethic. Be willing to do what’s asked, absorb everything you can, and handle situations with respect—even when they’re frustrating.

Host:
You’re 31 years old, 12 years into the industry, and leading a weld program—without college debt.

Tyler:
Not everyone needs college. It’s a great path for some, but skilled trades offer real opportunities too. You can reach leadership roles, build a career, and do meaningful work without taking on student debt—and that’s something I’m very proud of.

Host:
Tyler, thanks for sharing your story. This is going to resonate with a lot of people.

Tyler:
Thank you for having me. It’s been an honor.