One high school career fair changed Sydney Jamison’s future.
Just months after enrolling in Mt. San Jacinto College’s (MSJC) new welding program, she’s already working in the field.
“Walking around, I met a couple of welding program instructors. They gave me information on what a welding career has to offer,” she says.
When she learned that MSJC had a new welding program close to home, she quickly registered.
Since enrolling in the program in January, Sydney has earned several in-demand welding credentials, completed OSHA-30 training, and already has a job with program partner NextMod, Inc., a company that makes modular buildings.
“I have learned so much already,” she says. “I can’t wait to get my skills to the next level and perfect each application.”
“She crushed all the assignments in the course and totally kicked butt in the shop,” says her welding instructor at MSJC, Joshua O’Neal, who also teaches welding at Barstow Community College. “Within 18 weeks, Sydney transformed from a first-time college student into a certified welder with industry-recognized skill and safety credentials,” he says.
Not only is Sydney stacking up credentials fast, she’s also learning skills in demand. Welders are in demand across some of the Inland Empire’s fastest growing-industries, including construction, logistics, and manufacturing.
Nationally, hiring of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers remains high as infrastructure investment, manufacturing expansion, and equipment replacement continue to drive employment (according to BLS).
“Being able to start working in the industry at 18 is giving me the experience that will make a difference in my future,” Sydney says. “I am no longer worried about financial stability and job placement. I know welding will open many more doors for me in the future.”
With a strong emphasis on safety, precision, and industry standards, the new Welding Technology Certificate at MSJC prepares students for employment in structural fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and industrial welding. Students learn multiple welding processes through hands-on experience in state-of-the-art welding labs.
“Getting the hands-on learning while making close relationships has really made a difference in my life,” Sydney says.
Students also study welding theory, codes, and metallurgy, and learn industry-standard safety protocols. In the final semester, students complete a general work experience course where they apply their skills in a real-world setting. Successful program completion can lead to essential structural welding certifications from the American Welding Society and the National Center of Construction Education and Research.
“I would definitely have to say my favorite part of the MSJC welding program so far would be learning and passing certification tests,” says Sydney. “It is extremely fulfilling to pass a certification test after spending weeks practicing the application.”
She credits her instructor and mentor O’Neal with much of her success:
“I have so much gratitude for Mr. O’Neal. The way he teaches is exactly how a welding class should be taught— not just verbal explanation on how to do the technique, but actual hands-on, one-on-one instruction. Learning under his guidance truly changed my life,” she says.
Sydney will earn her Welding Technology certificate in May 2027 and plans to continue to earn her Associate’s degree and get into a union as a boilermaker. Long term, as she grows in the industry, she would like to return to the classroom as a welding instructor and help other students discover the trade.
Other community colleges in the region with welding programs include College of the Desert, Palo Verde, Riverside City, San Bernardino Valley, and Victor Valley.
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