(HARLINGEN) – Kenny Moore has been welding since he was 16 years old and as a Welding Instructor at Texas State Technical College his experience and teaching is being recognized with the Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Section Award from the American Welding Society (AWS).
The 55-year-old has been with TSTC since 1999. Entering into his twentieth year of teaching, Moore already holds three educator awards from the AWS, earning those in 2003, 2010 and 2011.
“I don’t do what I do with an award in mind, I do what I do because I love sharing my experience and helping young men and women find successful careers in welding,” he said. “But it’s always an honor when what you do is recognized by your peers.”
Moore was nominated for the Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Section Award by other educators and professionals in the AWS. The award recognizes high school, trade school, technical institute and community college instructors whose teaching is considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their schools.
Adan Gutierrez, Moore’s former supervisor and TSTC automotive programs instructor, said he believes Moore has received this award on multiple occasions because of his reputation, commitment and dedication to the trade and education of welding.
“Mr. Moore has many of years of work experience as a certified welder and custom fabricator of high-end projects,” said Gutierrez. “He brings a wealth of valuable knowledge to TSTC students seeking a certificate or degree in welding and is widely known and connected to industry giants who hire our students.”
Gutierrez added, “Kenny is an instructor of high caliber and has a passion for the trade and teaches to a high standard of quality, precision and practice. Students are fortunate to learn from him.”
The Harlingen native has come a long way since his days of welding as a teenager at his father’s family-owned construction company and working on heavy-equipment repairs.
Moore, who is also a TSTC alumnus, graduated with an associate degree in Welding Technology in 2008 and returned to TSTC with extensive experience in the aviation, aerospace, petrochemical and motor sport industries as a welder.
“It is this experience that I bring back into the classroom to provide real-world training for my students,” said Moore. “I take everything I have learned and share it with my guys and gals to provide them a good head start toward a successful career.”
Although Moore said teaching was never something he thought about doing, he now finds it to be the most rewarding job he could have asked for. He was an adjunct instructor with TSTC before becoming a full-time instructor.
“As an instructor we have the power to make an impact on someone’s career and life,” said Moore. “And I’m grateful to have this opportunity and to be able to share my experience and knowledge with those who are the future of welding.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers is projected to grow nearly six percent from 2016 to 2026. One reason for this projected growth – the nation’s growing infrastructure which will require a skilled workforce in these areas to build and rebuild bridges, highways and buildings.
“Welding is a skill that will always be in demand,” said Moore. “It’s been around for many years and will continue to be around. If you think about it, almost everything has some kind of weld. And with the aging workforce, our students will be replacing those who are retiring.”
Moore’s goal and challenge for TSTC’s welding program is to keep ever-changing technology in the labs up to date.
“I’m grateful for my award, it’s very humbling and I just want to be sure to continue doing a great job for our students, growing our program and making a difference.”
Welding Technology is offered at all 10 TSTC campuses throughout the state.
For more information, visit tstc.edu.