Annual welding competition builds workforce pipeline

The Central and North Campus welding departments came together Friday, April 24, for the 2026 Battle of the Campuses Welding Competition. Now in its third year, the event showcases student technical skills while connecting participants directly with employers.

This year’s competition included a visit from Texas state Rep. Mary Ann Perez, who represents District 144. Perez addressed students and faculty on the importance of workforce education and skilled trades. She also presented Central Campus welding program director Marie Tate with a flag flown over the Texas State Capitol in Austin and an official proclamation recognizing the program’s impact on the community.

“It is inspiring to see workforce education in action at the San Jacinto College Annual Welding Faceoff,” Perez said. “This competition doesn’t just test skill — it mirrors real-world weld tests that employers use, connecting students directly with the industry partners who will hire them.”

The event is supported by industry partners who provide materials, equipment, and networking opportunities. Mike Miller of Gemstone Industrial Services supplied metals, filler wire, safety equipment, meals, and door prizes. The company also continues to recruit San Jacinto College students and hired two students during this year’s competition.

Additional support came from Alan Solorzano of Weld Tube and Outlaw Leather, who provided prizes.

Student work was evaluated by industry professionals Jimmy Upchurch and Joe Suarez of Zachry Group, along with Scott Witowski of Gas and Supply. Robert Thompson, a San Jacinto College graduate and retired industry professional, has served as a judge since the competition’s inception and returns each year to mentor students entering the field.

The welding program is led by Tate and supported by instructors with experience in construction, fabrication, pipefitting, and specialized welding fields.

“Each year, the annual faceoff becomes more impressive, organized, and rewarding, which reflects the dedication, knowledge, and mentorship our instructors provide every day,” Tate said. “Seeing students earn job offers in GTAW pipe welding and receive recognition from Mary Ann Perez shows the real impact of our work. Together, we bring decades of experience and truly change lives.”

Beyond competition results, the event provides students with hands-on experience and direct access to employers. As it continues to grow, the competition remains focused on preparing students for careers and strengthening partnerships between education and industry.

Students competed in multiple welding disciplines:

3G Shielded Metal Arc Welding

• First place: Daniel Garcia — North
• Second place: Abraham Trejo — Central
• Third place: Lucas Lavendar — Central

4G Shielded Metal Arc Welding

• First place: Garitt Jeffery — Central
• Second place: John Almazan — North
• Third place: Angel Ramos — North

6G Shielded Metal Arc Welding

• First place: Kevin Delasancha — North
• Second place: Emilio Lucio — Central
• Third place: Evan Sowers — North

3G Gas Metal Arc Welding

• First place: Gissel Guerrero — North
• Second place: Bryan Trejo — Central
• Third place: Antanislado Rodriguez — North

6G Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

• First place: David Marroquin — North
• Second place: Ricardo Aguirre — Central
• Third place: Daniel Flores — North

6G Stainless Steel

• First place: Angel Cardenas — Central
• Second place: Logan St. Lawrence — Central
• Third place: Aaron Chavez — Central

Learn more about welding technology at San Jac

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.