Hired Before Graduation – Tyler Ley
Name: Tyler Ley
Hometown: Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Graduation date: May 18, 2019
Area of study: Welding
Place of employment: Cummins Emission Solutions – Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Job responsibilities:
-Operate machinery in production welding environment, including manual welders, presses, projection welders, and gauging equipment
-Utilize jigs and fixtures to ensure parts meet assembly specifications
-Inspect finished parts for conformance to blueprint and visual standards
How did Southwest Tech prepare you for your current position? My instructor, Jeff Midtlien, has taught me things I didn’t know I didn’t know. The variety of processes we cover in this course is amazing, and you get to spend the time you need to master each skill. On top of that, I have gained a sense of confidence in my skills.
Why did you choose your field of study? I have always loved building things, fixing things, and tearing things apart and putting them back together. I wanted to be able to, at the end of the day, be able to see and show someone that I had accomplished something. I knew how, and enjoyed welding, but knew I needed schooling to be good enough to support my family.
What advice would you have for other students thinking about advancing their education? Don’t wait! I have spent a decade working and not feeling like I have accomplished anything. Now I am starting a career where I can say “look what I did today” every day. Don’t wait!