Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Lucas Leon Gandler Dolezal, 21, graduated from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology in December 2019 and immediately found employment with Keppel AmFELS as a welder in Brownsville.
The Port Isabel native said he first became interested in welding in middle school when he would walk past the high school welding labs every day.
“I saw the students working in the labs and sparks flying everywhere,” he said. “That captured my interest quickly.”
How did TSTC prepare you for your career?
The knowledge I gained at TSTC prepared me and gave me the ability to do work that is only allowed for well-seasoned welders. It put me ahead of the game and gave me a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
What at TSTC had the most influence on your success?
My welding instructor, Kenny Moore, had the most influence on my success. He always pushed us to try harder and to learn from our mistakes. Hearing him share his experiences helped me realize that as long as you try hard enough, you can get any job you set out to get.
What are your future goals?
After gaining experience in the field, I hope to work as a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder for a refinery or large-scale fabrication company such as Caterpillar.
What advice do you have for other TSTC students?
My advice to other TSTC students is to stick it out until the end. It may be simpler to skip school and jump straight into the workforce, but no one can take away the pride of having an education and a degree in your name.
