Rudy Velasquez keeps his first welding project close by.

The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student uses that project to motivate himself. Before beginning the program in August, the Brownwood native had never picked up a welding torch.

“The first couple of weeks were tough,” he said. “I dove in full steam because I knew I had to do my best. I keep my first bead close by so I can see how far I have come.”

While Velasquez has seen himself improve, he is not the only one to take notice.

“He has come a long way, and it shows,” Salvador Marquez, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor, said. “He has great attention to detail, and he listens to what needs to be done.”

Velasquez said his plan to keep getting better is a simple one.

“The more time under the (welding) hood I can get, and the more repetition, is what it takes,” he said. “It really is a practice-makes-perfect plan for me.”

Velasquez has been learning tungsten inert gas welding this semester, which means mastering a new technique.

“I know that I will have struggles, but I will be working through those,” he said.

Later this semester Velasquez and his classmates will begin fabrication and layout classes.

“That will involve a lot more math, which means more focus,” he said. “I will be ready for it.”

Initially Velasquez questioned his decision to study welding, but he set a goal for himself.

“I knew if I was going to do this, I would have to give it everything,” he said. “That is what I do each time I am in the lab.”

Velasquez said he plans to continue at TSTC after he completes his certificate classes.

“I am considering enrolling in the advanced pipe certification class,” he said. “I am glad that it will be offered (in Brownwood) in the fall. After that, I think I will finish up my associate degree at either Abilene or Waco.”

Marquez said Velasquez has displayed signs of being a successful welder someday.

“I have to show him something once, and he can pick it up quickly,” Marquez said. “That is the sign of someone who will be a quality welder.”

According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $48,000 in Texas. Welding jobs were expected to increase 23% between 2020 and 2030 in the state, according to the website.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.