Graduate Connections – Meet Giecil Davis

Giecil, 33, grew up in the Philippines, but moved to the U.S. in 2011. Giecil completed the seven-month Professional Welding program at Tulsa Welding School in February 2024. Giecil has the honor of being the first female from TWS Tulsa campus to earn Top Welder and win a welding machine.

Thanks for your time, Giecil. After moving to the U.S., did you have a career before coming to TWS? 

No, I was a stay-at-home mom. I have two step-kids who are now in their 20s, and my husband and I have three little ones who are 11, 8 and 4.   

So, where did the idea of going to welding school come from?

I’ve been interested in welding and constructing stuff ever since I was little. The first thing I ever built was a chicken coop when I was 12! My dad was a carpenter so he would show me things. So, a few years back, my husband and I were talking about me getting a career when the kids got a little older. So, now they are in school, we talked about me going to welding school because I’ve done a little welding before. My husband works from home, so he can be there for the kids when I’m at work. 

Where did you do a little welding before?

How I first got started with welding is an unfortunate story. We have a farm and have some fencing that was supposed to be repaired last year; the person who was going to do the welding passed away. So, a neighbor volunteered to do it as he had a welding machine, and he showed me the basics of how to weld. That’s what got me interested. It was just last year; before that, I had only really used my dad’s carpenter tools. We never had a welding machine before.

What was it about the TWS welding program that interested you?

The only welding process that I knew a little about was MIG welding, because that’s what my neighbor showed me. But when I came to the school and they said that they teach four or five different welding processes, that’s what got me interested. They offered a lot of good classes that I was interested in.   

What did you enjoy most about your time at TWS? 

I really enjoyed just being in my booth welding, working as hard as I could, so that I’d become a better welder. That’s probably the best part because I learned a lot, compared to the little I knew going in. The instructors are very helpful. When they showed us a demonstration, I could see how they do their thing. I was able to pick up some tips from how they did it, and then apply their tips to myself to see if that technique would work for me, or if I had to find another way, another technique, that was more comfortable. Different welders do things in different ways, so if somebody gives you a tip and it doesn’t work, you can always ask another teacher, or another welder, and they might show you a different way that worked for them. The teachers were always checking in on me to see if I needed help.

Did you find the program hard or easy?

Personally, it was hard at first. I was battling myself. I had to overcome a lot in addition to learning to weld because I’m very shy, and I’m not very social. So, I was nervous the whole time…just meeting new people, especially in such a male environment. I always had to calm myself down. It was probably only during the last phase, the final month of the program, where I felt more relaxed and confident.  

But just showing up and doing your work will get you through the difficult days. Spend your time in your booth. Just keep going. You have to push yourself through it even if you’re having a hard time…because everybody’s been there. I’ve been there. It can be so frustrating that you almost want to quit, but don’t.

How did you get past those frustrating days? What kept you going when it got tough? 

My husband has always been there for me; he’s very supportive of me, very encouraging. And my kids are my biggest cheerleaders. I knew I only had one chance, so I had to push myself through and just do it.

Well done for persevering. So, where are you working?

I work for L3Harris as a high frequency aluminum TIG welder, and I recently passed my AWS D1.1 structural welding certification. 

Congratulations! How did you get the job?

They came to the TWS campus for a job fair. I met with them before I finished school, but it took maybe five or six weeks to get started. I finished school in February, and I started in April. I love it there.

What are you building or doing for L3Harris?

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what I’m working on. 

That’s okay. Very cool. Are you happy with where you have started financially? 

For my first job, yes, I’m very happy! Normally we work five 10-hour shifts, but this week we are doing 12s. So, I get the weekends off; although if I want to go in, I can. It’s up to me.

Overtime helps every check! So, what is your career plan from here, Giecil?

For now, I’m very happy where I’m working. I enjoy it there; I’m having fun being there. I’m happy!

What do you enjoy most about your new trade?

Probably, just seeing the results of my work that I put my heart into; it’s very rewarding. I think that’s what I enjoy most.

Did you make some connections at school? Friends that you’ll stay in touch with. 

Yes, I’m very shy but I did make some friends, especially another woman welder. We hang out, we do things. Hopefully one day, we’ll get to work together. 

What advice do you have for someone to be successful at Tulsa Welding School? 

My advice: do the work. You are in the right place to succeed. Stay focused on your goals. Separate yourself from distractions. Don’t get discouraged when you hit those stumbling blocks. I’ve been there and I know it’s frustrating. But giving up on something you love to do is not an option; effort and hard work will take you a long way at Tulsa Welding School and beyond. If I am capable of doing it, so can you.

If you’re a TWS graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year), program, and campus name (Tulsa/Jacksonville/Houston/Dallas).