Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College is highlighting the recent success of welding graduate Michael Taylor, who earned top marks on the Boilermakers Local 37 weld test.
After returning to campus for two days to sharpen his skills, Taylor tested with Boilermakers Local 37, a regional union that represents skilled welders and other industrial trades professionals and connects them with high level job opportunities. He successfully passed the highly respected weld test and was recognized for producing the top welds among those who tested, a distinction that speaks to both technical ability and consistency under pressure.
Taylor credits his time at NLTCC with helping prepare him for this milestone.
“NLTCC played a big role in preparing me for where I am today,” Taylor said. “The hands-on training and the support from the instructors helped me build real confidence in my welding skills. I want to give a special thanks to Mr. Jo Bradley and Brandon Akins for guiding me along the way, and to Mr. Joel for helping me get ready for the test and setting me up to successfully pass it. It wasn’t just about learning the trade, it was about developing the discipline and work ethic needed to succeed in this field.”
He described passing the Boilermakers test as a major step forward in his career.
“Passing the Boilermakers test was a huge milestone for me, and I truly feel like NLTCC helped lay that foundation,” Taylor said. “Now that I’m part of Boilermakers Local 37, I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and to keep growing in my career.”
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to continue building on his skills while pursuing larger projects and long-term career growth.
“My goal is to keep sharpening my skills, take on bigger jobs, and build a strong future for myself and my family,” he said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m just getting started.”
NLTCC is proud to see its graduates continue to push themselves and succeed in the field. Achievements like Taylor’s reflect the skill, discipline, and high standards developed through hands-on training in the welding program.
With campuses in Minden, Shreveport, and Mansfield, NLTCC offers hands on training across a range of programs designed to prepare students for high wage, high demand careers in today’s competitive global workforce. To learn more, visit nltcc.edu or call 318.371.3035.