Meet our Graduates
“The trades have been good to my family,” said Krystal Awang, a graduate of WSCC’s Denver Mechanical Campus. Since graduating in 2019, Krystal worked at a micro chipping plant and is currently working at a school installing new air handlers and boilers. “The most satisfying part of being a pipefitter is to be able to drive past projects you worked on and know that you were a part of making it happen.”
“I strongly suggest getting into a skilled trade,” she continued. “Buildings will always need to be built and piping systems will need replaced and installed. It’s not always the easiest career choice, it’s hard work but I wouldn’t choose anything else.”
Krystal also emphasized the camaraderie she enjoys as a pipefitter, “I love my career and the family my brothers and sisters in the trade have become.”
Krystal AwangDenver Mechanical Campus
Tim Garcia is a graduate of WSCC’s apprenticeship program at the Denver Mechanical Campus. As a second-generation pipefitter, Tim had first hand knowledge of the industry, “My father was able to take care of 6 children on this career path and I am honestly thankful for this opportunity.”
Tim is a welder at the Braconier Plumbing and Heating company in Denver Colorado, “We build piping and spool pieces designed by field foreman and apprentices for heating and cooling projects.”
According to Tim, the most important skills for this career include having a strong work ethic, being an open-minded thinker, a team player, and having good communication skills and a knowledge of math and science.
“I picked this trade because of the complexities and the technology aspect because it is constantly changing and it is always evolving in many ways.” Tim added, “It’s very physical career and it’s a bonus to get paid to work out!”
“The biggest surprise is that the more I learn, the more I want to learn! In this, it helps you be more rounded and also more employable,” continued Tim. “The most satisfying part of my career is to have the knowledge of being a real-world problem solver and since Covid has happened to know that what we do seriously matters to humanity!”
Tim offered this advice to potential students, “My biggest advice is that you have to be open to learning, working hard, and having a sense of pride in what you do.”
Tim GarciaDenver Mechanical Campus
“Before I joined the trade, I was spending most of my free time reprogramming and tuning my car,” said Jeff Deuel, a recent graduate of WSCC’s apprenticeship program. “It turns out that programming and tuning HVAC systems isn’t much different. All of the knowledge gained from that has helped me throughout this career immensely.”
Jeff specializes in creating and maintaining the software and controllers that run the HVAC equipment in commercial buildings. “In HVAC, there is a good balance between using your brain and using your hands. You get to work at a new place almost every day,” he continued. “You learn something new everyday and never get bored with your job.”
According to Jeff, having the confidence and adaptability to learn about and fix problems on the fly is the most important skill for his career. He notes the biggest surprise as, “the rooftop views!”
“Doing a job that I enjoy and getting paid very well to do it is the most satisfying part of my career,” said Jeff.