Graduate Connections – Meet Derrick Lee

Derrick, 26, from Wheatfields, Arizona, completed the seven-month Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School in March 2024. Wheatfields in on the Navajo reservation, close to the New Mexico border.

Thanks for your time, Derrick. What did you do before coming to TWS? 

I graduated from Navajo Pine High School back in 2016, and just like every other student, I was really unsure about where I was headed in life. My parents went to Job Corps right after high school, so that’s the route I went. I found myself graduating from a CNA [Certified Nursing Assistant] course out in Kaysville, Utah. When I finished the program, I came back home and worked at St. Michael’s Association for Special Education in Window Rock. I was working with mentally delayed youth and adults. After a couple of months, I decided that it wasn’t for me, and I went to a nonprofit organization called Southwest Conservation Corps. I worked there for seven years until 2023. 

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

I lost my older brother, Ryan, last year. He had talked about going to welding school a little here and there, and after his passing, I decided to honor his memory and go to Tulsa Welding School. I didn’t see myself becoming a welder, but my brother had talked about it, so I decided that as he wasn’t here to do it for himself, let me do it in his memory, and for myself.

I’m sorry for your loss. But good for you for honoring his memory is such a positive way.

It was like a switch that just came on out of nowhere. I looked into it after he passed, and I got a call from Alice at TWS right after my brother’s service saying that they had a start date for me. She was getting the ball rolling, so I took that as a sign. Let me do this for him, but also for myself.

How was moving to Tulsa on your own?

Honestly, it was pretty scary. It was a big leap of faith. Other than a few months in Utah, it was really the first time that I’d ever been outside the Navajo reservation alone, especially so many miles away. There were so many things that I was thinking about; I was overthinking a lot. That can kill your determination if you let it, but I constantly reminded myself why I was out here. Honestly, it was a little too much for me at first, especially with everything that had gone on within that year. But when in tough situations, I also listened to a ton of music. The artist Zach Bryan helped me through a lot of challenging times. 

Had you done any welding before?

It was completely new, so before starting school I read about it, and watched YouTube and TikTok videos.

How was the welding program? Was it hard, or did it come easy to you? 

It was definitely hard. I was hesitant to go on my first day just because I felt a little intimidated by people already knowing how to weld, or already having the skill sets, while I was coming in new. I was that person who was afraid to raise my hand, so I just went along with everything. But that approach didn’t benefit me. I didn’t learn much in the first couple of weeks. I finally decided to put my foot down and start asking questions. Another thing that was difficult for me was getting orientated with the other students; I’m not much of a people person but being there really helped me come out of my shell.

What did you enjoy most about your time at TWS? 

It was coming out of my shell, to be honest. I felt more confident in what I was saying, so answering questions and being the one who was able to stick out in certain situations really improved my self-esteem. It just encouraged me to keep going. So, with my self-esteem up, my confidence in my welding was through the roof at that point, so my welding improved. It  fueled the fire of wanting to know more, of wanting to do better, to acquire more skills.

How did you find the instructors? Were they helpful?

To be honest, I want to say the instructors found me because at the time I wasn’t really talking to anybody or asking questions. The instructors pulled me aside and started talking to me about certain things that they were doing. So again, that took me out of my shell. They kind of forced me to engage with them. Every time they would tell and show us how they did a weld, and I would mirror their technique, but alter it to where I am able to follow their lead but using my own welding techniques to make it my own.

As you came out of your shell, did you engage more with the other students and work with them?

Yes, I made a few friends and even learned from them too. I saw how they were doing their welds and I incorporated what I saw, everything that I saw, into my welding and into my own technique.

Where are you working?

I’m a skid welder at PESCO, Process Equipment & Service Company, in Farmington, New Mexico. I started last week in early June. I did my orientation last week and started on the shop floor welding this week.

How did you get the job?

When I graduated, I worked closely with Danielle in Career Services, and she asked me where I wanted to work. I told her I was thinking about going home. So, she looked up a couple of places that were hiring welders and TWS grads, and we both tried to get in contact with a few companies out here in Arizona and New Mexico. But it was really hard trying to get in contact with them. Then, finally, a skid welder position opened up here at PESCO. After I got the call from PESCO, I was consistent with my communication and getting more information. “What’s next? What are my next steps?” And sure enough, I think they saw my determination in communicating back and forth with them. So, one thing led to another, I took my weld assessments, and went through the background and medical things that Pesco needed for me to get hired. 

What is a skid welder?

PESCO manufacture equipment for the oil and gas industry, so different tanks, vessels, pipes, and equipment. A skid is the base that tanks and equipment sit on. But they have all these opportunities within PESCO. I’ve started as a skid welder, then I hope to progress to a house welder, which is a much bigger scale skid for these huge tanks. Then from there you get the opportunity to be a coded welder. So, I am determined to become a coded welder by the beginning of next year. 

How is the money right out of welding school? 

The money for a skid welder is okay, I mean it’s an entry level job. But, with the progression that’s available at PESCO, depending on where I land in the next few months, the pay will go up. It’s more of a self-paced ladder climb in a way. You’ve got to prove yourself in anything. I have to make myself valuable.

So, what is your career plan from here, Derrick? It sounds like you might want to stay at PESCO?

Yes, at least for the time being. I want to see how many steps I can take and how many certifications I can get here. Later, down the road, that will make me more valuable to any company. My ultimate goal is to get all of my certifications, all the experience I can, and get to Los Angeles. I know they have a huge demand for structural welders out there, plus I really want to go to LA! I want the certifications because I want to be able to say, “I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I know how it is.” By starting from entry level and making my way up, I can relate to individuals that are in that mindset, instead of skipping steps.

What do you enjoy most about your new trade?

I like how organized you have to be to make a great weld. You have to go step by step. There’s no shortcut. You have to pay really close to attention to what you’re doing, and watch your work build up as you go. 

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

I made at least three friends, not a lot, but they’re all working with different companies. My best friend, her name is Q, said, if I ever find myself back in Oklahoma looking for a job, she’ll be able to get me a job when I get there. I have another friend that’s out in Phoenix, Arizona, right now. 

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

Stay determined to see it through. Remember why you’re there. You know why you’re there, so don’t be afraid to chase your dream. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the people there want to help you succeed.

Finally – you did this for your brother Ryan…What would he say to you today?

I’m pretty sure he is really proud of me for making something of myself. Although he’s not on this journey with me physically, I know that he is spiritually. I am sure he is happy about the man I’m becoming.

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).