(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A chance conversation while helping his father at a construction site led Anthony Gutierrez on a career path.
Gutierrez asked a welder about his profession and immediately wanted to learn more. He knew Texas State Technical College had a Welding Technology program close to his hometown of Colorado City and began taking classes.
Next month, Gutierrez will graduate with a certificate in welding.
“I saw this guy welding, and it looked like a lot of fun,” Gutierrez said. “I knew TSTC offered the program and that would be a good place for me to start.”
When he is not on campus for lab sessions, Gutierrez said he still helps his father on construction sites.
“You get good experience in the lab, but nothing beats doing it on the site,” he said. “I have helped my dad with some fence posts the past few weeks, and that has been fun.”
He said the instructors are also good resources for the students.
“They really go in-depth during the labs and show you how to do things,” Gutierrez said. “They show us all types of tips and tricks.”
Being raised in West Texas, Gutierrez said he hopes he can work on oil rigs or pipelines close to home.
“I grew up around that, and hopefully it will be a good starting point for me,” he said.
He is also letting his friends and family know that TSTC offers a quality education.
“My brother just graduated (from high school), and he really did not know what he was going to do. I told him to give TSTC a look,” Gutierrez said. “It is a great school, and everyone wants to make sure you do your best.”
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
