Student Experience: Juan Fuentes

“I decided to start welding because I was building more and more stairs in my remodeling business, and wooden stairs need metal rails and balusters. My company also does fences and entry gates, plus there’s plumbing involved in cabinetry — people are just using more metal now. I need to know the right techniques along with the safety aspects of installing all those. 

“I chose Dallas College's welding program because I live really close by, and the classes weren’t expensive. Jeff Mitchell and Phil Suderman helped me to enroll and get started and gave me a lot of information before I even started taking classes.

“I may earn a Welding certificate if I have time, but my work comes first. I’ve learned a lot about welding techniques and how everything affects the process: the thickness of the metal, the weather — it’s not just easy and the same old thing. I’ve been interested in every specific technique and process I’ve learned so far.”

Juan Fuentes has owned his own remodeling subcontracting business, The Dream Trim, for more than 15 years, serving clients across the metroplex including in Highland Park, Plano, McKinney and Allen. His improved welding skills will enable him to expand his market both in the commercial setting and to high-end residential customers. He is fitting Welding Technology courses around his work schedule.

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