By Aliana M. Wynn
Housed at Turner College and Career High School, the Pearland Independent School District Welding program serves students from Turner CCHS, Pearland High School, and Dawson High School. This year, the district launched a district-wide Texas High School Welding Series chapter, allowing students across all campuses to join forces in regional competitions.
The 2026–27 season kicked off in September with outstanding momentum. Across their first six build-off competitions, Pearland Welding students earned five podium finishes, two Builder’s Choice awards, and a spot in the upcoming TXHSWS State Build-Off.
The season opened in September at the Fab Services Build-Off at Royal High School, where Austin Cook, Cameron Anderson, Gabrial Guerra, and Agustin Giles took second place overall and second place in the project award for their custom fire pit, an impressive feat for all four students competing in their first-ever build-off. The same group secured second place and the Builder’s Choice award at the Bremond FFA Build-Off, followed by a sixth-place finish out of 15 teams at the Waller County Fair Build-Off with teammate Miguel Garcia.
At the ArcLabs Houston State Qualifier, Pearland’s Team A (Cook, Anderson, Guerra, and Giles) earned second place, a Builder’s Choice award, and official qualification for the State Build-Off with their hexagon picnic grill, while Team B (Anthony Chicas, Alfredo Ramirez, Luke Perez, and Miguel Garcia) earned fifth place. The momentum continued at the San Antonio SALE Build-Off where the state-qualifying team captured third place out of 24 teams in a grueling two-day build of a live fire grill. Most recently at the Brazos Valley Fair Build-Off, Colton Loughlin joined Anderson, Guerra, and Giles to place third with their custom bench project.
Beyond welding technique, these competitions challenge students to read blueprints, measure and fit materials, manage time, and solve problems under tight deadlines. Judges evaluate teams using strict workplace standards, including safety, craftsmanship, weld quality, teamwork, and Job Safety Analyses. The high-pressure environment forces students to troubleshoot real-time errors, teaching valuable workforce skills that go beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Strong industry support has further propelled the program’s success. RCM Supply donated 300 pairs of welding gloves and safety glasses, while Burns & McDonnell contributed additional gear and ongoing support. Profax donated 30 pairs of Welpers welding pliers, which served as an occasion to highlight and honor Pearland’s Women in Welding students. Additionally, students celebrated Manufacturing Day on October 2 by touring Rollac Shutters of Texas, Texas Honing, and Brask, Inc. to explore career pathways and speak directly with manufacturing professionals.
Building on these achievements, Turner College and Career High School looks forward to hosting a regional TXHSWS Build-Off on January 16, 2027.
