Army veteran takes on welding at TSTC
Welding processes fascinating TSTC student
(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Cameron Weaver grew up around an uncle who welded whatever was needed.
“He wasn’t the type to go out and buy tables and racks,” Weaver recalled. “He built all the stuff. I was just really fascinated by all of that.”
After 13 years in the Army and the Army National Guard — a career that took him from Kansas to Germany and all across Texas — Weaver decided to follow in his uncle’s footsteps as a welder.
Weaver’s uncle died on Veterans Day last year, but welding helps Weaver revisit fond memories — and create new ones.
The West Columbia, Texas, resident is now enrolled in the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College.
The transition from a career in the military to welding training came with one hiccup when Weaver first attended another school — one where he did not receive the support that he needed.
“It was kind of like being a bird thrown out of a nest and being like, come on, fly,” he said. “TSTC has been much more helpful. I never have any issues. If I have a question, I can find somebody to help me out.”
Weaver has enjoyed learning about the different processes during his classes.
“I like working with my hands, and I like being challenged,” he said. “It’s definitely been pushing me to new levels.”
As he absorbs all this new information and training, Weaver appreciates the knowledge and experience of his instructors.
“My instructors are always available — they’ve been a huge help,” he said.
With the additional support of team members from TSTC’s Admissions, Student Success and Veterans Recruiting departments, Weaver expects to graduate in December 2022.
“They actually care and want you to succeed,” he said. “There’s not really enough good I can say about TSTC.”
TSTC offers a Welding Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding certificates of completion, and a Basic Welding – Multiple Processes occupational skills award. Night classes are available.
According to onetonline.org, the number of welders in Texas is projected to grow by 13% through 2028. They can earn an average annual salary of $45,250.
Texas is the state that employs the highest number of welders at 48,940, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which adds that the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area is home to the highest number of welders among all other metropolitan areas.
The bright outlook for careers and the wealth of opportunities in the region — and across the state — means that TSTC is confident that students from this program will get hired. Welding Technology is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. If graduates do not find a job in their field within six months of getting their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.
Registration for the spring semester is underway. Learn more about TSTC at tstc.edu.
