(HARLINGEN, Texas) – High School students tested their welding skills at the Texas High School Welding Series regional welding event on Friday, Jan. 30, at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus.
The event drew some 80 high school students representing seven schools in the Rio Grande Valley and two from outside the region. This was the first Texas High School Welding Series event held at the Harlingen campus.
Jim Baxter, the event’s coordinator, said TSTC’s Harlingen campus was selected as the host site to better serve schools in the area.
“Hosting the competition allows more students to complete industry-based welding tests, build connections with sponsors and enjoy the same opportunities available across Texas,” he said.
The event gave students the chance to earn industry certifications while gaining experience that meets Texas Education Agency requirements for industry-based certifications and college, career and military readiness.
Baxter said TSTC plays an important role in supporting events like this one.
“TSTC’s Welding program is designed for technical training, giving students access to real-world welding labs and professional instructors who guide them through the challenges,” he said.
Isaac Rivas, TSTC’s Welding program lead instructor, said the competition provides valuable exposure.
“It helps support recruitment for our welding program, enhances student engagement and creates a meaningful hands-on experience that aligns with industry expectations,” he said.
Students demonstrated welding techniques such as sheet metal, structural steel, pressure vessel groove and pipe welds. The competition exposed students to the same codes and standards used in the industry.
The top competitors were awarded prizes, including hoods, lenses and gloves.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.