Student Experiences

No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them. They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education. Could you be next?


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​Need to update your profile? If you are featured on this page and have a new job, earned another degree, etc., please email us at DX@DallasCollege.edu.

 
Photo of Austin Brooks

Austin Brooks

Full-Time Student

“I’m taking welding for my own knowledge so that I can build what I want to and know how to handle the metal part of my construction projects. If I’m not in school or with my girlfriend, I’m in the garage working on something.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Bruce Parramore

Bruce Parramore

Welder, All Metal Fabrications Allen, Texas

“I was working as a truck driver when I took my first Welding course. I had gotten interested in welding when I built a go-cart as a home project and had decided I’d like to learn how to weld better. But after I took that first welding class — after just four months — I had learned enough that I was able to get a job in my company’s welding department. Now I’m a welder instead of a truck driver.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of David McNabb

David McNabb

Automotive Technology Instructor

“After taking one welding class, I'm not an expert, but I do have a great foundation. I’m confident that I could do a good-quality weld in most situations I’m likely to run into.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Doug Jochum

Doug Jochum

Art Teacher, Skyline High School

“The students here are also attentive and helpful — I found out right away that there’s a group of them who have been here a while and who will chip in to help you do anything you don’t understand or help hold something you’re working on. I think that attitude is a reflection of the teaching here as well.”

Welding Technology
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program-Welding Technology
Photo of Harold Collins

Harold Collins

Welding Instructor, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Calif.

“The educational atmosphere created in the welding program is second to none — ensuring success to any student willing to work.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Helen T. Watts

Helen T. Watts

Firefighter and Dispatcher, Dallas Fire-Rescue, Welding Hobbyist

“I’ve always been interested in making things, in all kinds of crafts like tilework and stained glass. Metalwork is fun because you get your work out there — people call me about my yard art more than I could ever have imagined.”

Welding Technology
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program-Welding Technology
Photo of James Bauer

James Bauer

Technical Specialist and Welding Fabricator, Armadillo Aerospace

“Dallas College got me started on the core of my career. After finishing the program, I was invited back to teach, and I’ve been an adjunct welding instructor there for the past 13 years. One of the things I love so much is when I see people’s eyes light up after they see what they can do in the Welding Lab.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Juan Fuentes

Juan Fuentes

Owner, Dream Trim remodeling subcontractors

“I decided to start welding because I was building more and more stairs in my remodeling business, and wooden stairs need metal rails and balusters. I need to know the right techniques along with the safety aspects of installing all those.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Judy Gregory

Judy Gregory

Potter and Welding Hobbyist

“One of my lifelong dreams has been to incorporate welding into my other artistic media. I like the balance of intellectual and creative skills; both are challenged. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, welding is something you can do young or old.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Mike Reinhardt

Mike Reinhardt

Full-Time Student and Future Underwater Welder

“The instructors in the program are really great and take time to help me when I need it. I want to take every welding course I can to get the experience I’ll need for my future career: I plan to become an underwater welder and am looking at schools where I can transfer and get that specialty.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Paul Maniscalco

Paul Maniscalco

Career Changer

“What attracted me to welding is its stability; you can pursue it as a lifelong career. My advice is to think really long term about your career future. Stick with it, because once you have welding skills, a lot of possibilities open up.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Paul Mears

Paul Mears

Welding Artist and Business Owner, Iron Art of La Jolla, Calif.

“Welding is so much fun — it’s dangerous and exciting. Dewayne Roy is one of the best instructors you could ever want. He’s not only knowledgeable in the field, but is so upbeat and willing to show you everything he can.”

Welding Technology
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Photo of Spencer Lindstedt

Spencer Lindstedt

Contract-Term Pipefitter

“One thing I’ve appreciated learning in the program is the gas tungsten arc welding process; it’s something that’s used widely in the industry but that I’ve had little experience with. I’ve also learned more about stick welding, which I hadn’t done in 10 years — it’s another technique that’s widely used in the process piping industry.”

Welding Technology
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program-Welding Technology
Photo of Troy West

Troy West

Full-Time Student

“Welding is a good trade that’s always going to be in demand. Carpenters, masons and metal workers are trade workers that should be around until the end of time. Welding is a skill set where you can always make a good amount of money, and there will always be a job for you.”

Welding Technology
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