The arc light in the workshop flickers, and amidst the sizzling sound of the welding torch touching the steel, lies the span of over 20 years of Zhang Shengjie's life. As a welder in the crane industry, his hands are covered with calluses, and between his fingers, there are marks left by the welding sparks - these are the medals bestowed upon him by time, and also the embodiment of the craftsman spirit in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life.
First, Weld the days into steel
"I initially learned welding just to make a living," Zhang Shengjie said frankly. Back then, there was no systematic training; I relied solely on observing how my master worked every day and practicing day after day until I became proficient beyond measure. In those years, conditions were poor, and we worked in open spaces. The steel was scorching hot, and walking on it would melt the soles of your shoes. In winter, your hands would freeze stiff from holding the welding torch, and your eyes would become red and swollen from the arc light, causing pain so intense that you couldn't sleep at night. "Who hasn't been burned by welding slag or hurt their eyes by the arc light?" Zhang Shengjie rubbed the calluses on his hands. "But watching the weld seam I made go from crooked and uneven to smooth and sturdy, the sense of accomplishment in my heart is more tangible than anything else."
In 2017, Zhang Shengjie joined Xinke and has been there for eight years. He said with deep feeling, "Every step of welding is crucial and cannot be taken lightly." As he spoke, his eyes showed a sense of determination, "What we are engaged in is not just a job, but a conscience work with great responsibility. The firmness of the weld seam directly affects whether the machine can withstand heavy pressure, and it is also related to the safety of the operators."
Second, embed the standards into our bones
"Welding is not just burning randomly; it must be done according to rules." Zhang Shengjie places the utmost importance on the word "craftsmanship". He has to review every line and dimension on the drawing in his mind three times. "It's unacceptable to not understand the drawing or the craftsmanship."
Some people say, "Just make it look good enough." Zhang Shengjie disagrees. He has seen young apprentices rushing to "achieve results," with welded seams that look smooth but actually have voids inside. "I always tell them that the skill of a welder lies not in speed, but in stability." He remembers that when he first started out, he once welded a thick plate joint and tried five times before it met the standard. His master said beside him, "Steel doesn't deceive. If you try to fool it, it will find a way to trouble you sooner or later."
Third, forge craftsmanship into your soul
At the age of 48, Zhang Shengjie still guards that arc light in the workshop, unafraid of hardship and fatigue. At the end of 2024, he was awarded the title of "model worker" by Xinke Lifting.
Welding sparks fall and rise, steel cools and heats. In Zhang Shengjie's story, there are no earth-shattering feats, only day-to-day perseverance - welding every seam solidly and shouldering every responsibility securely. This perhaps is the most simple manifestation of the spirit of craftsmanship: on ordinary posts, tempering one's original aspiration with time, polishing time with dedication, so that every effort can withstand the test of time and safety.
