You may meet students who want a hands-on career but have not connected that interest to a college program. A conversation can help them see what is possible.
That happened for Sydney Jamison when welding instructors at a high school career fair introduced her to training close to home at Mt. San Jacinto College.
“Walking around, I met a couple of welding program instructors. They gave me information on what a welding career has to offer,” she says.
After enrolling in MSJC’s new welding program in January, Sydney earned several welding credentials, completed OSHA 30-hour training and secured a job with program partner NextMod Inc., a modular building manufacturer.
“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 Joshua O’Neal, Sydney’s welding instructor at MSJC.
“Within 18 weeks, Sydney transformed from a first-time college student into a certified welder with industry-recognized skill and safety credentials,” he says.
Helping students recognize where they may thrive
Students define success in different ways. For some, a clear connection between the classroom and workplace makes college more relevant.
MSJC’s Welding Technology Certificate may appeal to students who enjoy building, repairing, working with tools or solving practical problems while developing career skills.
The program combines hands-on training with welding theory, codes, metallurgy and industry-standard safety practices. Students learn multiple welding processes for work in fabrication, manufacturing, construction and industrial welding.
“Getting the hands-on learning while making close relationships has really made a difference in my life,” Sydney says.
Welding skills support Inland Empire industries including construction, logistics and manufacturing. For students motivated by clear milestones, earning industry credentials can be especially meaningful.
“I would definitely have to say my favorite part of the MSJC welding program so far would be learning and passing certification tests,” Sydney says. “It is extremely fulfilling to pass a certification test after spending weeks practicing the application.”
Connecting education with the workplace
In the final semester, students complete a work experience course and apply their skills in a professional setting. Program completion can also lead to certifications from the American Welding Society and the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Sydney credits O’Neal’s teaching and mentorship with helping her grow.
“I have so much gratitude for Mr. O’Neal,” she says. “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.”
“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.”
A certificate can be the first step
Sydney plans to earn her Welding Technology Certificate from the college in May 2027, continue toward an associate degree and pursue a union career as a boilermaker. Long term, she hopes to become a welding instructor.
Her plans show that a short-term credential, employment and a longer-term education goal can be part of the same pathway.
For students drawn to hands-on learning, welding may be worth adding to the conversation. A timely introduction to a program, instructor or career fair can help them imagine a future they had not considered.
Other community colleges in the region offering welding programs include College of the Desert, Palo VerdeCollege, Riverside City College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Victor Valley College.
Use the READY Program Finder to help students discover welding and other Career Education programs across the Inland Empire and Desert region.