TSTC welding graduate inspires next generation at area high school

HARLINGEN — Jesus A. Reyes is thankful that his welding education at Texas State Technical College led him to a teaching position at the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District.

Reyes, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at TSTC in 2016, has worked as a welding educator at PSJA North Early College High School for eight years.

“Some of my students have entered the workforce after they graduated, and others expanded their skills in college,” he said.

Before Reyes graduated from TSTC, he worked as a welder with an area welding company to increase his skills while he studied. But requests for his help by his classmates during labs inspired the Palmview resident to consider a career as a welding teacher.

“It was a great feeling when they came to me for advice regarding our lab assignments,” Reyes said.

Liza Diaz is principal at PSJA North Early College High School.

“Mr. Reyes has done an excellent job by coaching his students to be skilled welders as they prepare to test for their welding certification,” she said.

Guillermo Garza, one of Reyes’ former students, is studying for a Welding Advanced Pipe Specialization certificate of completion at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

“In high school, Mr. Reyes helped improve my welding skills with simple concepts,” the Pharr resident said. “I chose to enroll at TSTC because I wanted a better life.”

Kenneth Moore was one of Reyes’ instructors at TSTC.

“Jesus was eager to learn, ambitious, and determined to succeed in the welding trade,” he said.

TSTC Welding Technology alumnus Jesus A. Reyes is a career and technical education welding teacher at PSJA North Early College High School. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

Reyes said TSTC prepared him well for his career.

“I realized the impact that I had on my students when some quickly grasped the welding techniques and guided their classmates when I was busy with another student.”

According to onetonline.org, welders, cutters, solderers and brazers earn a yearly median salary of $48,500 in Texas. These jobs were expected to increase in the state by 23% 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. The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months after graduation.

Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. To learn more, go to tstc.edu.

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