Welding, 2021 Graduate
“I am forever grateful for my teacher and the EOC because now I have skills that put me in a position to provide for my family.”
It’s never too late for a career change, which is what Thomas G. decided after spending 15 years working as a cook. When his job was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he started researching new career fields.
“I wanted training and I wanted to learn a trade,” Thomas said.
He learned about the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and thought the Welding program could give him more earning potential. A lucrative career was important to Thomas so he could support his family while his wife completed nursing school.
“The biggest challenge was the struggle and sacrifice you make when deciding to go back to school,” he said. “Having three kids, it was very scary to put so much faith in this new career move and take the loss of income while attending school. But I knew it would help me provide for my family in the future.”
It didn’t take long for Thomas’ efforts to pay off.
“He quickly discovered a natural ability to weld,” said Mike K., the evening Welding instructor at the EOC. “He gained employment in the field after only a couple months but kept coming in the evening to get the most he could out of our program, even while raising a young family. Tom was one of the most dedicated students I've had the pleasure of teaching!”
Thomas is currently employed as a welder at Highland Tank in Watervliet.
“I am forever grateful for my teacher and the EOC because now I have skills that put me in a position to provide for my family better than I could before,” Thomas shared.
“Being a welder is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” he continued. “I never realized how much better life could be if you love what you do, but now I know. If there is a program at the EOC that interests you, go do it. They will give you everything you need to succeed.”
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Locations
Capital District Educational Opportunity Center
431 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Capital District Educational Opportunity Center at HVCC South
Capital South Campus Center
20 Warren Street, Albany, NY 12202
