11
October
2022
|
11:35 AM
America/Chicago

‘I’m ready for anything’

Student of the Week: Eliud Estrada

“There are good jobs here in Starr County, but you need the right experience to really do well in the field. I am set to begin working in the industry welding pipelines or in a similar career as long as it’s related to welding, but I’d like to come back one day and work for STC.”
 

STC Student of the Week Eliud Estrada

South Texas College Starr County student Eliud Estrada says instructors at STC have gone the extra mile to ensure he has all the knowledge and hands-on experience he needs as he gets ready to enter the welding industry.

Previously receiving certificates in Structural Welding and Combination Welding, Estrada will graduate this fall with an associate degree in Welding Technology.

Following graduation, he plans to begin his career working as a pipe welder.

“There are good jobs here in Starr County, but you need the right experience to really do well in the field,” he said. “I am set to begin working in the industry welding pipelines or in a similar career as long as it’s related to welding, but I’d like to come back one day and work for STC.”

Estrada, who already works as a work-study, said his time at the Student Activities & Wellness Department at the Starr County campus as well as participating in Student Government Association, has been invaluable to his success and a great experience.

The Welding Technology Program prepares students for entry-level positions by teaching the different processes of welding, lay-out and fabrication, blueprint reading and safety.

Graduate candidates like Estrada are also eligible to take a welding performance qualification test in accordance with American Welding Society (AWS) standards, as used in industry.

He added that the campus Center for Learning Excellence (CLE) has been a part of his academic success and he has taken full advantage of the resources the college offers.

“STC and its instructors are always ready to provide the materials or resources we need,” he said. “They offer so much to students like me. This has helped as I have earned my certificates and degree.”