Tyler Mogen tinkered with welding while attending Comanche High School, not thinking of it as a future career.

But after graduating, he realized that welding could be a good professional opportunity and enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.

Mogen is now pursuing a certificate of completion at TSTC.

“I might continue and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree at some point,” he said. “This has been a fun experience, and I am learning a lot from (instructor) Daniel (Aguirre).”

Aguirre admires Mogen’s work ethic.

“When Tyler is in his booth, he is focused on the work he needs to do,” he said. “He does his best work when he is alone. I am always going to be there to help him and all of my students.”

Mogen said he likes to get in extra work in the lab when he can in order to improve on his chosen career.

“I have worked on what I need to do to be a success,” he said. “I also have learned how to maintain our equipment.”

Mogen knows that what he is learning at TSTC will be valuable in the field. He also said his family is supporting him during his journey.

“My family has been very supportive while I am in school,” he said, adding that one else in his family has welding experience.

Mogen hopes that he continues to improve in the program. Aguirre said he has already seen Mogen become a better welder and student.

“He has improved leaps and bounds since the beginning of the semester,” he said. “If he continues to put in the work, he will be a good welder. When he sets his mind to something, he will accomplish his goal.”

According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $45,000 in Texas. These jobs are expected to increase 13% by 2028 in the state, according to the website.

TSTC offers Welding Technology at each of its 10 campuses located throughout Texas.

Welding Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to welding students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.