Dallas College

Student Experience: Helen T. Watts

“I don’t honestly remember how I came to the Welding program, but I think it was because I wanted to build a fence. But then I found out that metal is so much more fun than you could ever guess. I’ve made metal furniture, shelving, a towel rack and shelf custom-made for my bathroom, light fixtures — and what people seem to appreciate most, yard art. 

“I’ve always been interested in making things, in all kinds of crafts like tilework and stained glass. Metalwork is fun because you get your work out there — people call me about my yard art more than I could ever have imagined. 

“Being able to make things out of found pieces, reusing them to make something beautiful and useful is really fun. Sometimes I make things out of silverware I buy at the thrift store; they’re unique pieces to give as gifts and nothing you could find in any store. You take ugly old castoff metal and make something interesting and useful, which is just awesome.  “Who knew?” 

A Dallas firefighter for more than 20 years, Helen Watts is a welding hobbyist who takes individual Welding courses for personal interest at Dallas College around her work schedule.


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Hugh Brooks

Hugh Brooks

President Think Green Builders LLC
“I was delighted to find that North Lake had a Construction Technology department that taught by hands-on practice along with text. The instructors were qualified educators, but also had many years of experience in construction. Everyone in our firm, regardless of their position, takes construction courses at North Lake.”
Construction Technology
Harold Collins

Harold Collins

Welding Instructor Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Calif.
“The educational atmosphere created in the welding program is second to none — ensuring success to any student willing to work.”
Welding
Gabriela Sanchez

Gabriela “Gaby” Sanchez

CAD Technician Raymond L. Goodson Jr. Inc. Consulting Engineers
“I would recommend this program because it’s a growing career field. There’s a lot of need for CAD technicians, especially in civil engineering departments because of all the construction going on in the metroplex. It’s a promising career.”
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Frank Juarez

Frank Juarez

Retired Engineering Technician Texas Instruments; Electronics/Mechatronics Student
“From my Mechatronics class, my skills will be applicable whether I’m working as a technician in the field or in a power generation center. I’ve also realized from taking Mechatronics how much I like to teach the younger kids, mentoring them in learning how to do things from the ground up.”
Mechatronics
Helen Watts
Helen T. Watts
Firefighter and Dispatcher, Dallas Fire-Rescue Welding Hobbyist
Welding
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated September 4, 2026