GRANGER has one of the best welding programs in the district, and many students seem to enjoy it.

Ivan Gomez (11) started taking welding in 9th grade after being inspired by one of his middle school teachers, who gave him a flyer of classes, and welding stuck out to him. “When I got to high school and tried welding, I learned to love it, and now I want to pursue a career out of it,” he said.

Welding at Granger for Gomez is fun; he loves the welding community and has learned a lot in his past three years in the workshop. “My welding teacher is my favorite, he is very nice, kind, and very helpful when I need it. The welding program at Granger is useful and inspires me to try out new things,” Gomez said. “The teacher explains new things very thoroughly in steps to help us understand in the easiest way. He also motivates us by just believing in us,” he continued. The shop is a very safe work zone. “The safety of the class is really great procedures that are easy to follow, such as wearing glasses, face shields, gloves, and more,” he said.

Gomez plans to do the welding finals test at the end of the school year to get his certificate. “I want to get my certificate so I don’t have to go to more schools to prove I can weld,” he said. He plans to apply as a welder at a manufacturing company if he gets his diploma early.

Joel Barbosa (12) was inspired by his uncle, who used to weld, and Barbosa says it sounded cool. Then, in the first year, Barbosa learned how to solder, and he’s loved it ever since. Especially since he knew some things about welding already from his uncle, it became very fun for him.

“My favorite thing about welding here at Granger is the teacher, Mr. Murillo. He is the best teacher I’ve ever had. I also really like the welding students here; they are kind and help me improve,” he said.

Barboza has a lot of fun welding and is very passionate about it. He loves it so much and hopes to do it after graduating. He hopes to weld right after high school and join the welding program at SLCC. He has plans to enter a four-year apprenticeship for an impressive job with amazing pay. It’s a lot of labor and hard work, but it will be worth it in the end.

Overall, Granger has a great welding program and many aspiring welders who could be the future of welding. The welding program is fun, safe, and can be a great way to make new friends.