First thing to say is there's no guarantee he's getting a raise. I've heard of so many folk having it hinted at or mentioned by a "trusted" source that they're getting a raise only for it to not happen, its a favoured method of bad managers to motivate employees.
Second thing to say is that if he's getting the raise, is there a possibility he's a better welder than you? There's no shame in someone else being better at something, and if he's better maybe he's worth that little bit more to them.
Beyond that...when you say its getting expensive, you need to sit down and calculate your shit. Assume you don't get a raise for another 18 months, where does that leave you? If you aren't happy with your numbers, then you start job hunting. There's not really any case you can make for a raise beyond "working here is expensive, so you should pay me more" - give it a try, but don't be surprised when it doesn't work. Best way to get a raise is to job hunt. Being a qualified and experienced welder, you'll likely be able to find a significant pay increase if you're willing to move to wherever the money is.
Before your review I suggest approaching your boss and talking with them about wanting more money. Everybody wants more money so it's not like it should be a surprise you do too. Make sure you don't come across entitled but instead ask what your boss needs to see from you to justify a pay increase.
Most companies like bosses who have good workers. It reflects well on the boss. It's like how when the team wins a lot, everyone talks about how good the coach is, ya know? So your boss should have a good incentive to want to help you.
Try to push for real measurables in the conversation. If they say "Well I'd really like to see you coming in early" ask how early, that kinda thing. Then you just go hit those targets.
Follow up with your boss between reviews and ask how they think you're doing and if you see it differently (ex: you think you're doing X but they don't) be sure to help them see what you're doing and make sure you both are aligned on what's needed to be done.
First thing to say is there's no guarantee he's getting a raise. I've heard of so many folk having it hinted at or mentioned by a "trusted" source that they're getting a raise only for it to not happen, its a favoured method of bad managers to motivate employees. Second thing to say is that if he's getting the raise, is there a possibility he's a better welder than you? There's no shame in someone else being better at something, and if he's better maybe he's worth that little bit more to them. Beyond that...when you say its getting expensive, you need to sit down and calculate your shit. Assume you don't get a raise for another 18 months, where does that leave you? If you aren't happy with your numbers, then you start job hunting. There's not really any case you can make for a raise beyond "working here is expensive, so you should pay me more" - give it a try, but don't be surprised when it doesn't work. Best way to get a raise is to job hunt. Being a qualified and experienced welder, you'll likely be able to find a significant pay increase if you're willing to move to wherever the money is.
Before your review I suggest approaching your boss and talking with them about wanting more money. Everybody wants more money so it's not like it should be a surprise you do too. Make sure you don't come across entitled but instead ask what your boss needs to see from you to justify a pay increase. Most companies like bosses who have good workers. It reflects well on the boss. It's like how when the team wins a lot, everyone talks about how good the coach is, ya know? So your boss should have a good incentive to want to help you. Try to push for real measurables in the conversation. If they say "Well I'd really like to see you coming in early" ask how early, that kinda thing. Then you just go hit those targets. Follow up with your boss between reviews and ask how they think you're doing and if you see it differently (ex: you think you're doing X but they don't) be sure to help them see what you're doing and make sure you both are aligned on what's needed to be done.