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Luis, 20, from El Paso, Texas, completed the Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center (TWSTC) in Houston in February 2024.
Thanks for your time, Luis. Did you enroll in Tulsa Welding School right after high school?
Yes. I finished high school in May of 2023, and I started welding school in July.
Did you have to move to Houston for welding school?
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No, I was born in El Paso, but I’ve been living in Houston for over seven years. I went to high school here.
So, where and when did the idea of welding school come from?
It was when I was a junior. My uncle works at a refinery; he told me that people go into the refinery and weld pipe. He broke it down for me, so I looked up some videos. I found it really interesting because I like to build things. I thought that if I went into this welding program, I could find a career where I could stand back and say, “I built that, I created that!” I thought it would be something to be proud of.
Did you have any welding experience before going to TWSTC?
No, I did not. The first time I got hands-on with welding was at Tulsa Welding School.
What did you enjoy most about your time at TWSTC?
I enjoyed talking to the instructors and some of the students. The instructors would tell me about their past in the industry; how they got to where they’re at. They broke their journeys down for me. I had one instructor I really liked, Andres. He’d talk to us about how his life began with welding; he’d give us hints and tips about how things work in the real world, beyond school. He told us that if we work hard, we can achieve anything we want in welding. That was one of my best things about the program, just hearing the stories of what is possible with this career from people who have lived it.
Did you find the program hard, frustrating, or did it come easy to you?
No, it was actually pretty hard. I’d sometimes question myself, “What am I doing here? Am I going to make it?” That’s how it was, honestly, it was really difficult at first. I did have, I don’t want to say competition, but I did have classmates at Tulsa who had welded in high school; they came to TWSTC to build off of that high school foundation. So, obviously they were more experienced than me and they could move on more quickly from some of the tests that we’d have, and I’d find myself behind. So, that would make me upset; it really got me thinking whether I was meant for this, but I just kept on working hard.
What helped you push through? A support system, stubbornness?
Stubbornness! I mean, the instructors would tell me not to give up, but it was just me. I kept telling myself, “I’m not going to let this defeat me.” I knew that if I let this defeat me here, then in the real world, a lot of things would just bring me down.” So, I had to be stubborn with it, and just keep pushing hard.
To overcome issues, did you ask questions, do more practice, ask for different techniques to try?
It was a mixture of the three. I would go in early sometimes – I did the night class – and I would talk to students and instructors. I’d talk to the students who had more experience, and they’d tell me different tips. I’d go to different instructors, and they’d tell me how to attack it differently.
You did the night class, were you working during the day?
Yes, I was working at a fast-food restaurant, Freddy’s Steakburgers. I’d basically tell them that I wouldn’t be showing up because I’m going to go in and practice my welding. They’d understand. I always told them in advance. As long as I communicated with them, everything was fine.
Good communication is key! So, where are you working now? Not Freddy’s anymore!
I work for Gorilla Manufacturing, also known as Gorilla Cages. I started at the beginning of August. We basically weld cages for backflow pipes, generators, AC units. We also build stands for generators for various companies. We also make custom cages for people, for their backyard or for their dogs. We build cages for a lot of things! But most of our work is building the cages you’ll see in parks and public spaces to protect pipes and equipment, so people don’t steal or damage what’s in them.
It took you a little while to get a job. How did you find the Gorilla opportunity?
I kept working at Freddy’s while I was looking for welding jobs. It was hard to catch one with no experience. I sent a lot of applications, and I got a lot of, “We’ll email you later” replies but I never got phone calls back. It was a challenge. But I persevered, I didn’t give up. I worked with Allan in TWSTC Career Services. He gave me a call on a Friday in July and was like, “Hey bro, I have this lead for you if you want to take it.” I instantly said, “Yes, I’m not going to miss that opportunity.” I told him I’d love to take it. He told me to give them a call on Monday, I did, and it went from there.
How did you overcome the experience issue with Gorilla? It may help other people…
It took some convincing. But when I was talking to the owner, Gus, I told him that I understood he was looking for people that have more experience, but if you give me an opportunity to prove myself, I’ll do anything. I’m willing to learn. He said, “You know what? You sound like a great kid. You sound like you’re willing to work. Come down to my shop any day and we’ll do a weld test. If you pass, we’ll keep in contact.” So, I went back to school for two days to brush up – Wednesday and Thursday – and then I went down on the Friday and took my test. I passed, and after that they gave me the job.
Did an instructor help you with those two days of brush up?
Yes, an instructor called Mark. I told him that I needed help because this job required welding for AC cages. He told me what I might be doing, what type of metal I’d use, and he just gave me helpful tips.
Are you happy with the money they started you on? Tell me it’s better than Freddy’s!
Yes, sir. Opening those checks really does feel better than what I was getting paid at Freddy’s!
Two weeks in, is it going well?
Yes. One of the guys there told me that so far, I’ve been really good. He said usually when a new guy comes in, they mess up, but I haven’t. They told me I’m doing such a good work, to keep it up, and in three months we’ll talk about a pay raise. It’s a small company, but a good match. There are six of us, but we’ll grow. I’m working from 5:00AM to 5:00PM and picking up hours on Saturdays. I’m doing 55-60 hours a week.
That 15/20 hours of overtime will boost a paycheck fast! What’s your career plan from here, Luis?
I love working with cars, so I figured once I get some more experience and save up some money, I can start maybe welding and painting cars on the side. I’d have my own little side business doing that. I’d also like to travel and do all that cool travel welding stuff one day, but not yet. I’m happy where I’m at.
What do you enjoy most about this new trade?
Just the building, the craft. I mentioned earlier that when I build something, it makes me happy. Now that I’m building cages or generator stands for companies, I’m proud that I’m building good quality stuff.
Do you build the entire cage, or a part that then gets moved on to someone else?
They give me the blueprints and I build them myself. There is some teamwork involved, but usually they’ll give me some blueprints and be like, “Hey man, we need these four cages done by this day.” So, basically, I’m on my own. They all get tested when I’m done. I’ve had no issues so far, all of them have been strong!
Did you make some connections, friends, in school? People you’ll stay in touch with.
I made some friends. We’ve kept in touch and some of them reached out with leads for welding jobs if I wanted to take them. But they involved traveling – either travel welding or moving for a job – and I wasn’t ready for that yet. I want to stay around my area first. The travel will come.
What advice do you have for someone to be successful at Tulsa Welding School?
Keep trying and working hard no matter how hard it gets. In life a lot of things will be hard. If you can’t master difficulties in life, you’re not going to get anywhere. So, put in the effort, all your sweat, blood, and tears… and grind, work hard. Don’t be afraid to ask any question. Be a sponge and be open to learn. The more information you get, the more comfortable you get with people, the faster you’ll break that initial nervousness. You’ll create friendships and you’ll learn from those friends; you’ll improve your life.
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).
