Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Opening eyes and minds to future trade careers

April 11, 2024 7:00 AM

Watching experts from three different trade companies demonstrating their skills was an eye- and mind-opening experience for students from Spring Woods and Northbrook high schools during a recent Trade Day event in the Spring Woods High School baseball parking lot.

At the event, professionals from three different organizations were on hand to promote their industry, answer student questions and demonstrate on-the-job techniques:

Texas Masonry Council, a group of masonry contractors
Karsten Interior Services, a commercial construction company
Precision Welding Academy

“We want to expose the kids to something more than what they have been told their whole lives,” said Bill Pierce, the welding instructor at Spring Woods High School and one of the organizers of the event. The Trade Day event was an informative experience for students, exposing them to industry skills and a range of techniques while also broadening their understanding of potential career paths.

“The more we can expose them to what’s out there and a career path for them, the better,” said Pierce. “That’s my big goal; to get them as much exposure as possible so they can achieve their T-2-4 goals.”

Northbrook High School sophomore, Eddie Palmeros, attended the event and is especially interested in the trade of welding.

“It's always so cool that everything around us –from huge skyscrapers downtown to cars—requires welding,” said Palmeros. “Welding can open a lot of doors.”

The professionals at the Trade Day welding station emphasized the importance of safety to the students - wearing and using the proper equipment, how to start an engine and the proper placement of hands and tools.

“The most important equipment is your vision,” noted Palmeros. “So, it is important to wear a mask and shield to protect your eyes from the light and sparks.”

Michael Lopez, a senior at Spring Woods High School, has been in the district’s welding program for three years. After graduation, he plans to move to Tulsa to learn pipeline welding. He was impressed with the demonstration of that type of welding performed by Precision Welding Academy personnel at the Trade Day event.

“One of the instructors was wearing an Iron Man welding helmet,” said Lopez. “It was very cool because it opens automatically with voice command. I might buy one in the future!”

The instructors from Precision Welding Academy also caught the attention of students when they explained that after a few months of training and passing an exam, students could become certified welders ready to join the workforce.

“College is expensive,” added Pierce. “Instead of $80,000 worth of college debt, these kids could be making $80,000 in a trade. If I had known about the trades before I went to college, I probably would have gone that route.”

Pierce is very thankful to the community partners who came to demonstrate their professions. He hopes future Trade Days will just become “bigger and bigger every year.”