Jordan was recently hired as a full-time Welder by Palmer, after graduating from TCAT-Paris in Welding. While he was enrolled in TCAT, Jordan worked at Palmer as a co-op Welder from January ’22 – May ‘22. Jordan is a native of Dickson, TN and his hobbies include spending time with his wife and two young sons (ages 1-1/2 and 3).
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A WELDER?
After graduating high school in 2015, I immediately entered the workforce. After working as a machine operator or general laborer at several plants, I became tired of working different jobs and getting nowhere. I decided to stop working “jobs” and start my “career”. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and a career as Welder seemed like a natural choice for me, so I enrolled at TCAT in 2020.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING A WELDER?
I enjoy the feeling of pride I get when I step back and examine the parts I’m fabricating. It feels good to see myself create something out of nothing by using my own two hands.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD GIVE A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TODAY ABOUT A CAREER AS A WELDER?
Welding is a great career if you are willing to put in the work. Becoming an excellent welder requires focused practice, just like playing a sport.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE ANY MENTORS WHO HELPED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY?
My family pushed and supported me through school while working.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A CURRENT STUDENT ABOUT YOUR CO-OP EXPERIENCE WITH PALMER & TCAT?
I had a great experience. Both Palmer and TCAT were flexible with my work schedule to help me get the hours I needed. Co-oping gave me a unique opportunity to reveal areas where I was unhappy with my performance, then go to TCAT to further practice, ask questions of my instructor, and share my experience with my classmates. Another plus was I knew at graduation where I would be working.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROFESSIONAL GOALS OVER THE NEXT 5 – 10 YEARS?
I plan to better myself as a Welder by learning something new every day. I learn by asking questions of more experienced Welders, by completing a weld I haven’t done before, or by fixing my mistakes.
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