When Vincent Martinez enrolled in Salt Lake Community College’s welding program, he already had experience behind the welding hood. After discovering a passion for welding through a high school course at Bingham High School, he came to SLCC determined to earn a degree and advance his skills. What he did not expect was that his journey would lead him back into the classroom, this time as an instructor.

Martinez began his welding education at Salt Lake Tech before continuing into SLCC’s Welding Fabrication and Inspection degree program. Although he had been welding for several years before enrolling, he quickly learned that becoming a successful student required humility and an openness to learning.

“I had to put myself back into the mindset of a student,” Martinez said. “Just trying to learn everything I could without thinking I already knew it all.”

As he progressed through the program, Martinez discovered just how broad and complex the welding industry truly is. What began as a goal to quickly earn a degree evolved into a genuine desire to deepen his knowledge and grow professionally.

That curiosity eventually opened the door to teaching. During his first semester in the degree program, fellow students frequently came to him with questions. His ability to explain concepts clearly caught their attention, and their feedback helped him recognize a talent he had not fully considered.

“I got a lot of compliments from other students about the way I explained things,” Martinez said. “That was when I started seriously thinking about teaching.”

In March, even before completing his degree in May, Martinez stepped into the role of welding instructor at SLCC. The transition from student to faculty member was both exciting and challenging. As someone who describes himself as naturally informal, learning to lead a classroom required him to develop confidence and find his voice as an educator.

“It was a big step for me,” he said. “But I realized I could influence people in a positive way and help them grow and succeed.”

Today, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching students discover their own potential. Martinez often sees reflections of his younger self in beginning welders who arrive with little or no experience. Just as an instructor once encouraged him to pursue welding, he now offers that same encouragement to his students.

“At least half of the students I’ve taught, I’ve been able to tell them they have a gift for this and should keep going,” Martinez said.

Martinez credits the support and mentorship of his own instructors for helping shape his career. He says each educator contributed lessons and qualities that he now incorporates into his own teaching style.

Beyond technical skills, Martinez believes the trades offer opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and meaningful careers. He encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new possibilities, even if their future plans are still uncertain.

“The trades are a very good industry,” he said. “Once you learn those skills, they’re with you for the rest of your life.”

Looking back on his journey, Martinez recognizes that success rarely comes without challenges. His advice to students is simple: stay persistent, embrace growth, and don’t let setbacks define your path.

“Even though it can get tough, don’t give up,” he said. “Find something good in every day, keep fighting, and keep growing.”

For Martinez, the greatest reward comes from helping develop the next generation of welders. Having experienced the power of encouragement and education firsthand, he now has the opportunity to pass that knowledge on, ensuring future students discover the same possibilities that transformed his own life.

For Sabena Volarat, a career in welding began in an unexpected place: a horseshoe.

Today, Volarat works as a Welding Technician II, supporting students and instructors in Salt Lake Community College’s welding labs and tool rooms at both the Westpointe and Taylorsville campuses. But before joining the college as an employee, she was a student in the Welding Technology program, balancing work, school, and a determination to build a better future for herself.

Finding a Passion Through the Trades

Volarat’s interest in welding can be traced back to her work as a farrier. After attending the Idaho Horseshoeing School in 2022, she worked full-time shoeing horses and learned blacksmithing, horseshoe shaping, and equine anatomy. During that training, she occasionally encountered specialized cases that required welding custom horseshoes for animals needing corrective care.

“That little welding experience always stayed in the back of my mind,” Volarat recalled. “It was something I wanted to understand better and learn someday.”

Her curiosity, combined with a love of working with her hands and solving problems, eventually led her to enroll in the Welding Technology program at Salt Lake Community College.

Putting in the Work

As a student, Volarat approached every class with determination. She asked questions, sought additional practice opportunities, and spent extra time refining her skills outside of the classroom.

Her commitment required significant sacrifices. While earning her welding certificate, she worked full-time, commuting from Tooele County to a job in Bountiful before driving directly to evening welding classes. Many nights ended around 10 p.m., with homework, a long drive home, and an early start the next morning.

Despite the demanding schedule, she never lost sight of her goal.

“Welding teaches you pretty quickly that even on the days that you’re frustrated, it doesn’t mean you’re failing,” she said. “A lot of the time, it just means you’re learning.”

Volarat credits the program’s instructors and supportive learning environment for helping her persevere through the challenges and continue growing as a student.

The Scholarship That Changed Everything

One of the most impactful moments in Volarat’s educational journey came through a scholarship application she almost didn’t complete.

Exhausted from balancing full-time work and school, she spent just a few minutes applying for scholarship opportunities. That decision ultimately paid for her entire welding certificate. Later scholarships helped support her associate degree studies as well.

Those experiences transformed how she views student support.

“The scholarship changed my life,” Volarat said. “That small amount of time it took to apply ended up making a huge difference in my future.”

Today, she actively encourages students to explore scholarship opportunities and often helps classmates and current students navigate the process.

A New Perspective as an Employee

After graduating, Volarat made the transition from student to employee, gaining a new appreciation for the people and processes that support technical education. Working behind the scenes exposed her to everything from equipment management and inventory to the extensive effort instructors invest in helping students succeed.

What stands out most, however, is the opportunity to give back.

“This program invested so much in me when I was a student,” she said. “Now I get the opportunity to turn around and invest that into other students.”

That commitment is especially meaningful when working with students who may feel uncertain about entering a skilled trade.

Becoming the Mentor She Once Needed

Volarat remembers being intimidated when she first entered a field traditionally associated with blue-collar work. Over time, encouragement from instructors and other students helped her gain confidence and find her place in the industry.

Now she strives to be that source of encouragement for others. Whether helping a student locate resources, apply for scholarships, or simply feel more comfortable in the welding shop, she sees mentorship as an important part of her role.

“Don’t wait until you feel completely confident,” she advises future students. “Confidence usually comes after you’ve done the hard thing, not before.”

Looking Ahead

Volarat’s educational journey is far from over. After completing her associate degree, she is continuing coursework that will transfer into Weber State University’s Welding Engineering program as she works toward a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, she continues to work full-time for the college and maintain her farrier business on weekends.

Her message to future students is simple: if you want something badly enough, pursue it now.

“Don’t tell yourself later. Tell yourself now,” she said. “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”