Thanks to a new partnership, high school students from South Texas Independent School District’s Science Academy in Mercedes can now participate in a dual credit program in Welding Technology with Texas State Technical College.
“The dual credit program pairs well with our hands-on approach to the engineering program of study,” said Vanessa Rivera, the school district’s career and technical education director. “We encourage our students to learn and earn stackable credentials that will help them build stronger skills.”
Fourteen Science Academy students are currently working with Marco Gonzalez, a South Texas ISD welding teacher, toward obtaining level I welding certificates.
Gonzalez said the program is introducing students to modules, safety practices and the gas metal arc welding process.
“Students have been given ample time to practice the 2F fillet welding position, which is done horizontally,” Gonzalez said. “Students will do the 4F welding position very soon. We have also reviewed employability skills.”
Robbie Mesa is TSTC’s manager of dual credit in Harlingen.
“It’s a great partnership that TSTC has with South Texas ISD because many of their dual credit students will matriculate to TSTC after they graduate from high school,” he said.
Workforce Ready
Rivera said her school district works with institutions of higher education and industry partners to equip students with workforce-readiness skills.
“This partnership strengthens the experience students will receive when they pursue this particular program of study through the South Texas ISD Science Academy,” she said.
According to onetonline.org, welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earn a yearly median salary of more than $48,500 in Texas. The number of these jobs was expected to increase in the state by 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, according to the website.
TSTC offers Welding Technology at all 11 of its campuses across the state. An Associate of Applied Science degree and several certificates of completion are available, depending on campus location.