(HUTTO, Texas) – For some Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students, the sparks begin to fly when the workday is ending for most people.
TSTC’s East Williamson County campus in Hutto offers welding students night class options, allowing them to work all day while still pursuing their education.
Paulina Maldonado works in the medical industry from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is pursuing her Associate of Applied Science degree.
“After 12 years, I need a change,” she said. “I work all day, grab dinner, then come to class. The night classes give me the flexibility to keep my income while shifting fields.”
Justice Tucker takes night classes to give himself financial freedom.
“I was enrolled in day classes, but moving out is expensive, so I switched to nights so I could work more,” he said.
Tucker is on track to graduate with a certificate of completion this December and is wasting no time in preparing to transition from mechanics to welding.
“I’m already talking to a potential employer for when I graduate,” he said. “The position will allow me to travel around Texas, and travel is something I really want to do.”
Taylor Mynk shares her classmates’ views on flexibility and likes the change of pace from her day job as an automotive mechanic.
“Mechanic work can get a little mundane for me,” she said. “I saw welding online and thought it looked cool. I took my first semester to try it and see how I felt, and I’m still here. It makes me focus and think about what I’m doing. I really like it.”
Welding Technology is available at all 11 TSTC campuses. It is one of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee programs. The college’s commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.
Applications for the spring semester are being accepted. Spring registration begins October 28.
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
