Interview with Adrian Leata - participant from Romania Worldskills 2026

For some, welding is simply heavy industrial labor. For Adrian Leata, it is a third-generation family legacy that requires the precision of both a science and an art.

Growing up watching his father and grandfather in the factory, Adrian knew early on that the craft was his calling. That lifelong dedication recently brought him to the global stage, representing Romania at the WorldSkills 2026 competition in Shanghai.

Preparing for this elite level demanded rigorous training. Under the guidance of his mentors, Virgolici Iulian and Florin Jipa, Adrian spent countless hours refining his technique and learning to execute flawless joints under severe time constraints.

In a high-stakes competition booth, the tolerances are tight and the pressure is heavy. Physical discomfort or safety concerns instantly break concentration. To maintain absolute focus, Adrian trusted Weldas protective clothing and gloves. By delivering uncompromising thermal protection without restricting his natural mobility, his gear allowed him to focus entirely on his execution rather than his safety.

Read our full interview below to learn more about Adrian’s background, his road to Shanghai, and his vision for the craft.

The Origin Story: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how your welding journey began? What inspired you to become a welder, and when did you realize this could be your professional path?

My passion for welding runs in the family. Both my father and grandfather worked as welders in a factory, and I grew up inspired by their skills and dedication. Following in their footsteps felt natural, and over time, I realized that welding was more than just a job for me. It was a passion I wanted to turn into a career.

The Road to Shanghai: Representing Romania at WorldSkills is a remarkable achievement. What were the key milestones and challenges on your road to the WorldSkills competition?

My journey to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 was built on hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. Every training session helped me improve my skills and confidence. Representing Romania on the world stage was a dream come true and a responsibility I took very seriously.

The Grind: How did you prepare for WorldSkills 2026? What did your training routine look like, and what specific skills or techniques did you focus on the most?

Preparing for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 required many hours of intensive training, discipline, and dedication. Under the guidance of my mentors, Virgolici Iulian and Florin Jipa, I continuously improved my welding techniques, precision, and ability to work under pressure. Most of my preparation took place at voestalpine Railway Systems Romania, the company where I work, which provided the necessary facilities, equipment, and support. My mentor’s experience and dedication played an essential role in helping me reach the level required to compete on the world stage.

The Experience: What was the most memorable moment of your WorldSkills experience in Shanghai? Was there a particular challenge or encounter that will stay with you for years to come?

The most memorable moment was stepping into the competition workshop in Shanghai, knowing I was representing Romania among some of the best young welders in the world. The atmosphere, the pressure, and the opportunity to compete at such a high level made it an experience I will never forget.

The Craft & Misconceptions: Welding is highly technical, yet some people still see it as just a traditional, heavy-duty job. What is the biggest misconception people have about your profession?

The biggest misconception is that welding is just a physically demanding job. In reality, it requires technical knowledge, precision, patience, and creativity. A good welder must understand materials, processes, and technology. Welding is both a science and an art.

The Gear: In high-level competitions, extreme focus and precision are everything. How critical is your protective gear in maintaining that focus? You used Weldas PPE (clothing and gloves) during your journey—what specific difference did they make for you on the floor?

Protective equipment is essential, especially in a competition where concentration and precision make the difference. The Weldas clothing and gloves provided excellent protection and comfort throughout my training and competition. Having reliable equipment allowed me to focus on my work with confidence, without worrying about my safety. I am truly grateful to Weldas for their support.

Passing the Torch: What advice would you give to young welders who dream of competing at WorldSkills or pursuing a career in welding? What mindset is most important for success?

My advice to young welders is to believe in themselves, work hard, and never stop learning. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, discipline, and the courage to learn from mistakes. If you are passionate about welding, follow your dreams and never give up. You never know how far your skills can take you!