Forging futures: SFCC welding students in demand
Six SFCC welding students under the age of 25 landed high-paying jobs last year—each earning more than the national median annual salary for welders, according to Geneva “Cookie” Look, Academic Director for Building and Construction Trades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn a median annual salary of $48,290.
“My phone hardly ever stops ringing,” said Look. “Employers are eager to hire SFCC welding students, as well as others in the trades programs.”
Lead Welding Faculty Estevan Ortega said he is proud of the program’s team collaboration and the role it plays in helping students build better lives through meaningful employment. “I am very proud of our team collaboration that helps these students gain employment that changes their lives once they can start working in their field of study and craft,” he said. “These are among the best SFCC students, and we are very proud of our instruction team.”
Look said unions and employers frequently reach out to her, and she works closely with welding instructors Estevan Ortega, Manuel “Manny” Kavanaugh, and Paul Johnson to connect students with job opportunities. “We collaborate as a team,” she said. “I take the calls, organize the instructors, and help get students ready for interviews and testing. It’s great to see these young people begin their careers.”
With enthusiasm, Look highlighted several outstanding students who were hired in 2024:
- Martin Vega is employed by NextEra Energy as a Level II technician in solar operations. He was hired for his welding maintenance experience and, according to Look, “He was also hired because he took OSHA 130, offered by the college.”
- Natalie Olivas-Ramos works with SMART Union Local 49, one of the largest unions in Albuquerque. She is contracted to a major HVAC company, where she performs a range of welding tasks, including stainless steel piping and fabrication.
- Valerie Juarez-Gonzalez is also employed with SMART Union Local 49 and contracted to a major HVAC company in Albuquerque, where she performs similar welding tasks.
- Timothy Montoya works for Ironworkers Union Local 495, which is contracted by Los Alamos National Laboratory.
- Xander Ramos is employed by Laborers’ Union Local 16, also working under contract with Los Alamos National Laboratory.
All of the students earned at least two certifications from the American Welding Society, helping them stand out to employers.
Kavanaugh said the students who land jobs stand out for their punctuality, strong work ethic, teamwork, and readiness to relocate when needed.
Look said she’s already preparing to connect more welding students with employers this late spring and early summer. About 40 students are currently enrolled in SFCC’s welding classes.
To learn more about the welding program, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/programs/welding/ or email Lead Faculty member Estevan Ortega at esteban@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1206. Employers interested in hiring welding or construction trades students should contact Geneva “Cookie” Look at geneva.look@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1235.
