Motivation is passion

Drawing upon a passion for welding, Angel Lopez says the only way to succeed is to put in the extra work to get there.

Angel is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology from STC’s Starr County Campus.

“My experience at STC has been amazing, especially with the instructors that push me to reach my goals,” Angel said. “STC was an ideal place to begin my college education because I lived near the school as well.”

The Welding Technology Program prepares students for entry level positions by educating students on the four processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding.

Students perform fillet and V-groove welds in the Flat, Horizontal, Vertical and Overhead positions, and gain knowledge in Lay-out and Fabrication as well as blueprint reading, safety and metallurgy.

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

South Texas College is just one of just six Accredited Testing Facilities (ATFs) in Texas, and only the second accredited facility at a college in Texas designated by the American Welding Society (AWS).

The designation means that STC can test its welding students to receive this significant credential by AWS, and be registered with the National Registry of Welders as they enter the workforce. The college is only one of 168 approved testing sites in the country.

Angel said he is working to enter a career as a pipe welder, and then break into education as a welding instructor.

“My message to my peers is to never give up, because your dreams only work when you do your best,” Angel said. “My motivation is my passion for welding, and I'm willing to put in the extra work to succeed.”