Daniel’s Journey: From Dream to Reality with PCC’s IET Welding Program
Posted by katie.weibel
We are excited to share the inspiring story of Daniel, a dedicated student from the Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP at Portland Community College. Daniel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance.
Three years ago, Daniel was working at a construction company, often admiring the welders on the job. He would think to himself, “I would like to be a welder.” His dream seemed distant until he discovered a flyer at the PCC Willow Creek Opportunity Center about PCC’s Welding Integrated Education and Training (IET) program. This innovative program blends welding and English language skill-building classes, providing a unique pathway for English learners to enter in-demand careers.
Daniel decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled in the IET Welding program. Reflecting on his decision, he says, “This program is a really awesome opportunity. I never thought I could actually become a welder.” Within the first three months, Daniel started testing his skills, eager to understand what it was like to test and interview as a welder. Just two weeks later, he received a job offer. In fact, 4-5 different companies reached out to him, offering him positions with benefits and safety measures he had never experienced before. “I was so grateful,” Daniel says.
One of Daniel’s favorite parts of the program was the practical application of classroom knowledge to his daily work. When we interviewed Daniel, he had already been with his current company for five months and had been promoted to a feeder, a position that typically takes over eight years to achieve. His rapid advancement is a testament to his hard work and the comprehensive training provided by the IET program.
Daniel’s ambition doesn’t stop there; he hopes to become a builder in the future. He attributes all of his success to the IET Welding program, saying, “I could never get here without the program. It changed my life.” His advice to any student considering the program is straightforward: “If you can put in the work, you can become successful, 100%.”
Daniel’s journey from a construction company worker with a dream to a successful welder is truly inspiring. His story showcases the opportunities that PCC’s IET Welding program can provide and the life-changing impact of education and hard work.
Join us in celebrating Daniel’s incredible achievements and his bright future ahead! ??