Should I feel bad? I was pushed through the system in spite of failing.

At my new job all employees have to be certified to weld (T1, stick). Although my trade doesn't require much welding(sheetmetal), I've been in weld training for 3 weeks to no avail.
I cant wear my glasses, bifocals/astigmatism,under the welding hood and safety glasses that are mandatory. My prescription safety glasses wont be ready for 2 more weeks. So I cant see the molten puddle that must be manipulated with the welding rod and eyes. And my hand shakes a bit too, making it very difficult to pass the test. Its been hell and I'm not meeting the specs.
Today they called me upstairs and told me that they will be certifying me anyway, in spite of my "sucky" welds and told me not to tell anyone about it.
In a way I feel relieved that I'm certified, but mostly I feel bit guilty, shitty and inadequate for not having to pass like everyone else did.
They told me that they "have plans for me". Meaning that they really need me for my sheetmetal skills and knowledge, and that they may make me Shop Foreman.
Should I feel as bad as i do right now? Or should I just let it pass and get on with things as usual.

It sounds as though they hired you for a particular skill set that you offer them, and the welding requirement is just a hoop to jump through. The welding requirement was probably thought up by some half-competent middle-manager who had to be 'doing something' to justify his job...

"they" seem smart to me- they must know you are good at what you do. Do not feel bad that you are not a welding "natural".
Or I will turn you into a newt. :P

IF YOU COULD SEE!!!!

Good on you for having the decency to feel guilty though. Damn librul.;)


Wish I could weld! We have a cheapo wire feed that everybody keeps telling me to just go try, but electricity scares the crap outta me....

It's not your fault you can't see. Just remember how it's supposed to be done and once you can see, I bet you could do it.

Since you don't have to weld, no biggie.

I'm in Blueprint Training this week, but dont really need it. Blueprints have been a strong point of mine for over 25 years. I'm like the class ace and the instructor has me walking around the class helping the other students. No problem! It all pays the same.
Next week I go to my "Station", and I cant wait.

Thanks for all the inspiration DUers.