Students Participate in Welding Competition

"They're given a blueprint and then they actually have to go into the welding booth and build what's on the blueprint," says Brian Kight of Texas State Technical College.

The competition was about more than just showcasing skills.

"It's about skills, getting people trained and getting them out there and getting them employed, getting them on the job," says Kight.

In an economy where many are struggling, some TSTC students already have their futures guaranteed.

"This is how easy it is to get a job: I've only been going to school since January and I already have a job welding. So I'm going to school full-time and then going to work part-time," says TSTC student Adolph Narro.

He says welding is his passion but he's also fortunate the industry is thirsty for well-trained welders.

"They're in so need of welders right now. Anywhere from structural welding to new buildings to the oil fields. You know, it's just booming right now," says Narro.

Aside from just providing jobs, the art of welding has also helped many young adults with their futures.

"It's a good skill to have. We are able to building nice projects like this one and take them to shows and be able to win scholarships to go college," says Landon Hood, a welding competitor.

The Priddy FFA came today to this competition to be judged on this giant structure. It's actually a buffalo squeeze shooter they designed for a doctor back in Lubbock.

The structure took 3,100 hours to build, a discipline and dedication that will not go unnoticed.

"There's obviously a lot of work in this and they can walk away awful proud of what they've built," says Kight.

For these young students, the future is looking bright and shiny.