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Sergio, 21, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from the seven-month Electrical Technologies program at the Tulsa Welding School Dallas Metro campus in October 2024.
Thanks for your time, Sergio. What did you do before enrolling at TWS? 
I graduated high school in 2022. I went to college in North Carolina for a year on a soccer scholarship, but that didn’t work out. I didn’t like college; I prefer working with my hands. I’ve always been that way since I was a little kid. So, I came back and tried community college for a semester, but that didn’t work out either. I was working with my dad – he has a remodeling company – while going to community college. I did a little bit of electrical work with him, so I got curious.
So that’s where the idea of going to an electrical trade school came from?
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Yeah, that’s how I got into it. My dad basically said, “If you’re not going to go to college, go to a trade school.” He told me to choose whatever I wanted. I thought about plumbing – but nah, I didn’t want to deal with toilets and what comes out of people! I did a little HVAC with my dad too, but I didn’t like being in attics – it was too hot. Welding felt like too much strain on the eyes for me. But electrical clicked, so that’s what I went with.
Did you already know about Tulsa Welding School? It’s a fairly new campus in Dallas.
I searched for electrical programs in Dallas and found TWS. I sent my info in, and they hit me up. Of course, ads started popping up on my phone and then, a couple of days later, I randomly saw a TWS billboard while driving. I was like, “Damn, maybe this is meant to be.”
Once you got into the electrical training program, how did you find it? Easy? Hard?
Honestly, at first it was really boring because the first class was Solar. We didn’t really do much hands-on, just one thing working with a solar panel. But after that first month, once we moved into the electrical classes, it got way better. I stayed with the same teacher through months three to seven – Earl Rogers. When I first got into the residential electrical stuff, I picked it up quickly. I’m a fast learner. Eventually I started helping other students. One older guy helped me at first, so when I knew more, I helped others. I kind of became the teacher’s helper. Residential and commercial were my favorite classes.
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What was your favorite part of the experience?
Honestly, everything was good, except the vending machines! They didn’t have much food. The instructors, the staff, everything was good for me.
Trade school is hard work, no skating by like high school. Did you have frustrations or difficulties?
Never. I always paid attention. I saw people on their phones a lot – that’s how I used to be in regular school because I hated it. But when it’s work-related, I’m locked in. I sat in the front. I wanted every detail. You’re paying for this, why pay and be on your phone? That’s why people struggle, but my work ethic is really good.
So, you graduated a year ago. Where are you working now?
I work for Siemens here in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Wow, I expected you to say some electrical shop, but Siemens is huge. What are you doing for them?
Yep, I’m a foreman now. We build switchboards for different companies – Facebook, Microsoft, etc.
A foreman at 21?
Yep, that’s my work ethic showing up again. I started working for them through a temp agency – Manpower – before I finished at TWS. I graduated in October, but I started with them in September. I did morning classes for the first six months or so, but after I got my job, I switched to night classes for the last month.
After four months working through Manpower, really almost six months because of paperwork, I got hired on directly with Siemens in February 2025. But before I was even permanently hired, in January, I was already functioning as a foreman.
Nice. How did you get the job before graduating?
They came to the school to look for candidates; Ms. Tammy Thomas in Career Services helped me out too with my résumé, she’s the best.
What’s your work schedule like?
7:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. As a foreman, I can go in early – 6:00 or 6:30 to get stuff ready. Saturdays are overtime at time and a half. You have to do at least six hours, but you can work from 5:00am to 5:00pm if you want. Sundays are double time.
Let’s talk about money! Are you happy with what you’re making now and what you could make later?
Yes, sir! We call it “that Siemens money.” Once you start working here, you can start upgrading things – your car, an apartment. I moved out of my parents’ house and have my own apartment in Duncanville, about 20 minutes from work. I work near the Cowboys stadium. And the benefits are good. Most people my age don’t realize how valuable benefits are, a lot don’t even know about a 401k. Siemens matches up to 6% of my wage for a retirement plan.
Saving 12% to a 401k at age 21 is huge for your future! What’s your long-term career plan?
Management. Siemens want to train me more as a foreman, then maybe I can make supervisor in a couple years, and then eventually a manager. I basically see Siemens as my long-term career.
In 30 years, you could be running the whole thing – from shop floor to the board room!
Maybe. You’ve got to play the long game!
What do you enjoy most about being an electrician?
The fact that it allows me to work for big companies – big names like Siemens.
Day-to-day, I imagine switchboard work is like building a puzzle. Does that engage you?
Yes, but as a foreman I mostly supervise people now – I’m a finger pointer! I get to fix mistakes and try to prevent issues before things go out to the field.
Did you make friends or connections at school?
Mostly with the teachers, but there were a couple of students. I still talk with Earl Rogers, the instructor who basically taught me everything really. If I have a question in the field, I still hit him up.
That’s awesome. What advice do you have for new students at Tulsa Welding School?
If you want a trade, go for it, but you must have a good work ethic. Without that, you won’t get anywhere. Don’t waste your money if you’re not going to pay attention and give it everything you’ve got.
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).
