WNMU alumnus Ethan Sanchez now has a successful career as a welder in the construction industryEthan Sanchez is a featured student in the upcoming Amazon Prime TV episode of "The College Tour" that was filmed on campus in November. See end of article for link.

Silver City native Ethan Sanchez did not always know that he would become a welder. "I started the CNA program. I wanted to be a nurse first of all," he explained. Once he entered into direct care, though, he realized that it was not for him.

While looking for an alternative career path, Sanchez met James Ortiz, Director of Community and Workforce Development at WNMU, who suggested he consider welding. "I tried it, and I fell in love with it," said Sanchez.

He noted that creativity and job security were the main reasons he was so attracted to welding. "You can always put your own touch to it," he said, "I like to make [my welds] personal." He also enjoys having a career that will always be in demand and pays well.

Since graduating from WNMU with an AAS degree in 2023, Sanchez has been working for a local construction company and has been surprised by where his new career has taken him. Most recently, he traveled to the San Diego area for a project, and he will soon be returning to California to work on iron fencing for a client.

While he enjoys traveling on assignments, he also believes Grant County to be a great place to have a welding career. "You have got the mine; they are always hiring welders, iron workers, boiler makers." There are also a number of other construction companies in the area, he said.

Sanchez noted that many of his coworkers are also graduates of the Community and Workforce Development programs at WNMU. "Because there is so much demand [for welders], you can get a good job right out of school," he said.

Going into welding, said Sanchez, "is probably the best decision I have ever made."

Sanchez has enjoyed his work at the construction company, but he plans to shift direction soon and open his own business, perhaps as early as this year. "Where I want to start out is with fencing—metal fencing, custom fencing, and railings," he said. He hopes that with his own business, he will continue to travel for projects. "I would like to go out east," I have never been anywhere east, just out west."

Sanchez credits his success to the faculty in the WNMU welding program. "They helped me hands-on, and showed me what I need to learn," he said, "They really treat you like you are family here."

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