TSTC Welding Technology student starts career at custom horse trailer manufacturing company

(HUTTO, Texas) - Raya Rabold is a welder by day and a Texas State Technical College student by night, honing her skills to fast-track her future.

The first-semester Welding Technology student began working full time at Bloomer Trailers, a custom horse trailer manufacturing company located in Salado and featured on the TV series "Yellowstone," shortly after the fall semester started.

"I applied for jobs for about four months," Rabold said. "They called, and I did a weld test in September that went well. It'll be three months on Dec. 27."

Rabold, now pursuing a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at TSTC, discovered welding in high school and knew she wanted to stick with it.

"I did welding for four years in high school," Rabold said. "It was mostly projects and not specific welding. At Bloomer, I weld aluminum walls with spool gun welding. I had never done that before. I kept practicing and got better."

Rabold chose TSTC because she wanted the best start possible as she works toward her long-term goal.

"I like welding, but I really want to be a welding inspector," Rabold said. "My high school welding teacher told me about being a welding inspector. I've had that as a goal ever since."

Rabold expects to receive her 90-day review soon at Bloomer Trailers and is optimistic about it.

"When I get my review, I can get a raise," Rabold said. "I don't remember how much I'm eligible for, but I know it's on the table, and I think I can get it."

Welding Technology is available at all 11 TSTC campuses. It is one of TSTC's Money-Back Guarantee programs. The college's commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months after graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg .

Registration for TSTC's spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu .