(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A strong bond has formed among many of the welding students at Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus.
From helping each other in the lab to playing pool in the student center, these second-semester students are making sure teamwork pays off with a certificate of completion.
“There is a lot of fun and a lot of learning happening here,” said Aiden Holmes of Big Spring. “There is a lot of self-teaching going on, and it is good that this is a self-paced style class.”
The students credit instructor Frank Molini for teaching them the trade.
“He is an amazing instructor,” Arturo Rios, of Snyder, said.
Mason Scott of Roscoe agreed.
“Frank has taught me much more than I knew about welding,” he said.
The classmates agree that studying at TSTC is the best way to launch their careers, even though their paths to the program varied. Rios started welding in high school, while Nick Nevarez, of Wellington, learned by helping his father.
“My welding teacher in high school forced me into the class,” Holmes said. “I am glad he got me into it.”
The students noted that their days are filled with more than just holding a welding torch and working on projects.
“I have been able to learn how to read the blueprints of a project,” Rios said.
While the students plan to graduate in the fall, several plan to return to the Sweetwater campus to continue their education.
“I want to come back to school and get my pipeline certification,” Rios said.
Holmes also plans to return to earn an additional certification.
“I want to get into the traveling pipeline industry,” he said. “I know there is good money in that field.”
Meanwhile, Scott wants to begin a career in the sanitary pipeline welding industry, and Nevarez would like to work in a fabrication shop.
When they are not in class, the students enjoy the activities available at the student center and occasionally venture to other programs to see their peers working toward their own careers.
“There is such a good staff at TSTC,” Holmes said. “We always like to stop by and say hello, and to see what the students are learning. It is a good way to get to know people.”
Nevarez and Scott said choosing TSTC has been a positive experience for them.
“Not only is this an affordable school, but everyone here really wants to see you succeed,” Nevarez said.
Scott summarized his educational experience simply: “TSTC offers the best bang for your buck.”
Registration for the summer and fall semesters at TSTC starts Monday, March 30. For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.