(ABILENE, Texas) – Jeremiah Hall, of Coleman, knew his life would be an adventure.
The U.S. Army veteran, who was stationed in Hawaii, moved to West Texas after he completed his military service. This fall, his adventurous life led him to Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.
“I guess you could say I was tired of being lazy,” said Hall, who also works as a grocery store manager. “I always say life is an adventure, and this is just another one I can take.”
A friend led him to TSTC’s welding program, and he is working toward his certification. He hopes that the certification, coupled with his customer service experience, will benefit him when he joins the welding workforce.
“I feel you have to have good customer service skills after talking to a few welding companies,” he said. “I think I will be able to work well because I have structured myself to do better.”
Instructor Anthony Lewis said students will be able to find a job in the region after completing the program. That is something Hall said attracted him to TSTC.
“There is always a need for welders in every region of Texas. Between 80 and 90 percent of those are for entry-level positions,” Lewis said.
Hall said he enjoys attending lab sessions and talking to his classmates. His Army service comes into play when he is in the lab.
“When I was in the military, regardless of who you were, we would always treat people like they were grown,” he said. “We know that we have to get our weld done, but we treat others with respect and as adults.”
He said the instructors are there to make sure students succeed, something that everyone appreciates.
“If we have any questions, they do not mind helping us. They want us to be successful,” Hall said.
Since he started working in his lab bay, Hall said he enjoys trying the different techniques demonstrated during class.
“There is always plenty of stuff for us to weld. I just like trying all of the different techniques,” he said. “It makes me feel like I am getting better when I know that I can do a new technique.”
Hall said anyone can start the program, even if they do not have experience.
“I had just a little bit of experience. I did some welding for the city of Coleman, but nothing like this before,” he said. “This goes to show you that if you work hard, you can succeed.”
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
