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Michael, 23, was born in Covington, Louisiana, and raised in Atmore, Alabama. He moved to Houston in March 2025 to enroll in the seven-month Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center. He completed the program in October 2025 and moved back to Alabama. 
Thanks for your time, Michael. What did you do before coming to the TWS Houston campus?
I was a contract worker. I traveled around doing contract work for a temp agency. I was a machine operator.
That sounds interesting. Why did you decide to go to welding school?
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I did that for a few years after high school, but I wanted a more stable career. The jobs I was doing were temporary. I might work for a bit, then be off for a month or two, then have to go to another state. I was always away from home when I was working.
Where did the idea of welding come from? Was it something you did in high school?
I did do some welding in high school, just for a semester, but I didn’t take it too seriously. My older brother was a welder too for about five years before he changed careers. I kind of followed in his footsteps and ended up liking it. He helped me with some stuff through welding school.
Did you consider any other trades before choosing welding – HVAC, Electrical, anything like that?
I did think about pipefitting because it’s connected to welding, but other than that, no. I might still go back to Tulsa and do the pipefitting program at some point. I want to see how things go on the job.
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Looking back, what did you enjoy most about your time at Tulsa Welding School in Houston?
The camaraderie with the instructors and the other students. The instructors and staff were very helpful, and everyone around me was helpful. We were all learning together. Nobody thought they were better than anyone else. We were all in it together and helping each other as we went.
Did the program come easily, or did you find it hard?
At first, it was overwhelming for sure. I had done welding in high school, but I didn’t take it seriously then. This time I did. It was overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it and the instructors push you, you get it.
When it felt overwhelming early on, did you ever consider quitting?
No, I never considered quitting. I was always taught that no question is a bad question. When it got hard, I asked questions and built relationships with the instructors. Eventually, you get it. Nothing is impossible if you have the want and will to do it.
Coming from a small town of 10,000 people, did you enjoy living in Houston?
Yes, it’s a very vibrant city, but the traffic is crazy!
You’ve been out of school for a few months now. Did you stay in touch with any instructors or staff?
Unfortunately, no, because I work in Mississippi and live in Alabama, so I didn’t really get a chance to go back, but my career services advisor – Dalia – still stays in contact with me.
Congratulations on the job. So, who do you work for?
Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Dalia in Career Services helped me get the job. I asked her to help me find something closer to home, and she brought Ingalls to my attention. Within a couple of days, a representative came to the school.
You mentioned you have to drive about an hour or more every day.
Yes, I get up at 2:30 in the morning to get ready to leave. It’s about 90 miles each way. But because 11,000 people work there, parking and traffic are intense. It can take 30 minutes to get in/out of the parking lot.
Have you thought about moving closer?
Eventually, yes, but I don’t mind the drive. I’m used to traveling.
Did you get hired on while you were still in school?
Yes. I got hired the same day I completed my weld test. I finished school knowing I already had the job lined up. I’m a welder third class. In six months, I go to second class, and six months after that I go to first class. So, I’ll be a welder- first class in about a year from now.
Are you already doing welding work on your own?
Yes. I went through their training center for the first two months – I had six weeks to pass six tests. They have a welding process we didn’t learn in school – it’s welding with ceramic back tape. It’s pretty common in shipbuilding. I passed my tests and got my certification, so I’ve been in the shipyard for two weeks now. They let me work independently. I have someone who checks my work, but I’m not considered entry-level.
Are you enjoying the job so far?
Yes, I really like it. It’s a good place to work and get experience.
Were you happy with your first paycheck?
Yes, sir. I started at $25 an hour, which is good for being fresh out of school. When I move up to second class it’s $28/hour, and it maxes out at $31/hour as a welder first class.
Do you get overtime opportunities?
Yes, but with more seniority, I’ll get more shots at overtime.
What’s your typical schedule?
Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m.
What kind of work are you doing – repairs or new builds?
New builds. We’re building Navy ships from the ground up.
That must feel pretty meaningful.
It does. I feel like I’m doing something important.
What’s your long-term career plan?
I want to get about five years of experience of welding and then change my craft. I want to become a shipfitter. I didn’t even know about that job until I started here. I’d still be doing some welding, but there’s so much more involved.
Would you do that within the same company?
Yes, I don’t really plan on leaving. I like it here.
What do you enjoy most about welding as a trade?
Before I came to Ingalls, it was just using my hands, being in control and making a pretty weld. Now that I’m here and working, it’s the satisfaction of seeing something being built and knowing I had a part in it. I feel like I’m doing something that matters, I’m helping a community. I can’t wait to see my first Navy ship launched, knowing I had a hand in building it.
Have you stayed in touch with anyone from school?
I still talk to one friend – Luke – who helped me get to school when I lost my car. I check in with him to see how he’s doing from time to time.
What advice would you give to new students starting at Tulsa Welding School?
Ask as many questions as possible, meet as many people as you can, and believe in yourself. Keep pushing yourself whether things are going good or bad. Network with your classmates, too, because if one of your peers catches on to something faster, they can help you if the instructor is busy helping someone else. Always ask questions and always ask for help. If you do that, you’ll get it. I did.
If you’re a TWS graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year), program, and campus name (Tulsa/Jacksonville/Houston/Dallas).
