Holding the World Together
KC Welding program grads in high demand
By Chris Craddock
He never expected to get laid off, but he did.
"It was a shock after 35 years with the company," said Barry Swann, 57, from Rhonesboro. "I had to find something to bring money in."
And he found the welding program at Kilgore College.
"I hadn't had any welding experience since, well, high school," Swann said. "And that was so long ago, it doesn't really count."
Swann said that coming into the KC Welding Program, he felt at ease that the program was self-paced and that he didn't feel additional pressure because of his lack of knowledge.
"I knew they had a great program," Swann said. "The instructors are always right there to help you succeed every step of the way. They started out with the basics for people like me who had limited knowledge."
Swann said that he felt welding was a good second career to go into because of the high demand.
"Welding is a great career to go into," Swann said. "There will always be a need for welders."
The KC Welding Program offers two certificates and an Associate Degree program for students to choose from. The two certificates are the Basic Welding Certificate and the Advanced Welding Certificate.
Swann, in his second semester of classes at KC, said he is striving to complete the advanced certificate, which is a one-year program.
"Students who get the advanced certificate or the associate's degree definitely have an advantage," said Cody Edwards, KC welding instructor. "The more education they get, the more experience they have, and they have better job opportunities to make more money."
" I knew they had a great program. The instructors are always right there to help you succeed every step of the way. They started out with the basics for people like me who had limited knowledge."
Barry Swan
Welding program student
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Edwards, who is a Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Educator through the American Welding Society, is in his fourth year as a welding instructor at KC.
He said he teaches at least 100 students each semester--and they are all races and genders.
One female student, Laci Berryman, 26, just started her first semester in the welding program at KC.
"Being a single mom with a 6 year-old, I was tired of working odd jobs," Berryman said. "I've worked at a hospital and a horse farm in Longview. I'm the type of person who can't sit at a computer all day."
Berryman said she loves that with welding, she can look at objects she actually created at the end of the day.
"It's great. The instructors are great and it's all self-paced," Berryman said. "It's something that I can really see myself doing as a career, and the great pay associated with a welding job will definitely help me to make a better life for me and my son."
Edwards, who had nine years experience in the welding field before teaching at KC, said that he has seen some graduates make $80-$100 an hour, maybe $100,000 annually.
"It really all depends on how far they carry their education and what they want to do with it," Edwards said. "The farther you go with it, the better money you make."
Edwards said there are numerous job opportunities in welding, more than could be mentioned in one article alone.
"You have to realize that welding holds the world together," Edwards said. "All manufacturing companies, from cars to clothing, hire welders. The job list is never-ending."
And KC provides the latest technology for students to train with.
"There's nowhere else in the area where students can go and get the quality education that you get here," Edwards said. "We have all of the latest equipment for training, and teach our students at the highest level of instruction. We demand quality and perfection from our students."
The KC Welding Program is also currently partnering with area high schools through dual-credit programs.
"It is possible for some students who take welding in the area to enter our program with some college credit under their belt," Edwards said. "It's a growing program that we look to expand."
Edwards said that all ages of people come through the program. He said he's seen people straight out of high school to people in their 60s take his welding program.
One student currently in the program who came to KC straight out of high school is Cole Davis, 2009 Kilgore High School graduate.
"College never seemed like it was for me while I was in high school," Davis said, laughing. "But after being in the welding program here--one that is self-paced with one-on-one instruction--it turns out that I fit in just fine."
Davis said that the opportunity to make enough money to get his own place and move out of his parents' house was his excuse to try taking welding classes. He plans on going to KC for a year to get his Advanced Welding Certificate, get a job, then eventually come back to KC to earn his Associate's Degree.
"I figured that a year of instruction couldn't hurt me much," Davis said. "I really want to work as a welder in pipelining or fabrication. This is a good way for me to get some experience, get a job and make some money, and then come back to school to finish my degree."
Davis also said that the KC Welding Program was the most affordable option he found.
"It's way cheaper than a bigger school," Davis said. "And I feel like the instruction is great. I'd recommend this program to anyone who wants to make great money in a job they love."
