TSTC Maritime Welding students benefit from instructor’s training, experience

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When Texas State Technical College Welding Technology alumnus Samuel Grimaldo accepted a job as the Maritime Welding instructor in TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education program, he did not anticipate the influence that his experience would have on the students.

“I teach shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding on structural material,” he said. “Additionally, I implement the NCCER Maritime Welding Level I certificate from the National Center Construction Education and Research for each student when they complete the program after eight weeks. Recently our Maritime Welding program has transitioned from a level I to a level II and now operates for 17 weeks.”

Grimaldo said his role as an instructor has been fulfilling.

“It’s great to watch each person grow and ask questions that will improve their skills,” he said. “What has been rewarding is that each student takes the time to listen to my instruction. They perform each weld accurately and meet the assigned time frame.”

He added that his previous work as a boilermaker first sparked an interest in welding.

“I enjoy the outcome of a product when I work with my hands,” he said. “Years ago some friends helped me get a job as a boilermaker at Petrochem Field Services. I worked with many welders, and that’s how I became interested in different welds. That motivated me to visit TSTC. I was impressed with the welding facility, and I enrolled.”

The McAllen resident graduated from the Welding Technology program with a certificate of completion in Welding Technology – Combination Welding in 2010.

Grimaldo transitioned to TSTC after working at Petrochem Field Services as a boilermaker and a welder for more than a decade.

He credits his professional success to his training at TSTC.

“The knowledge I learned about the welding processes, the importance of punctuality, and having a great work ethic to ensure a quality product was imperative,” he said. “Those components also are what I bring to TSTC’s Workforce Training Maritime Welding program.”

Myra De Leon, TSTC’s executive director for Workforce Training and Continuing Education, said Grimaldo has demonstrated ideal leadership as an instructor.

“Samuel has helped students be successful through teaching various welding methods, having excellent communication, and building their resumes to find jobs in the Texas workforce,” she said.

For more information on the Maritime Welding program, visit tstc.edu/workforce/maritime-welding/.

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.