Dawson C. is sending sparks behind him, advancing in his welding career at record speed.
Since graduating from Papillion La Vista High School in 2025, Dawson has been pursuing welding at an apprentice level while completing his Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Welding Technology at Metropolitan Community College.
Over a year of hard work later, his dedication to his craft has paid off: This summer, working at Patriot Crane & Rigging, he earned a promotion to the journeyman level. It’s a rare feat for someone this early in their career — reaching the journeyman level requires a combination of certifications earned in classes and 6,000 to 8,000 hours of labor.
Starting his junior year in high school, Dawson began attending half-days at college to get a head start on his welding technology degree. He credits his High School Career Coach, Lauren McGlohn, with supporting him.
“She was always more than a teacher,” he said. “As I was struggling with trying to find a job or balancing homework, she always pointed me in the right direction and made sure I got there. Her passion and her dedication to all of the kids that she had in my class just stood out to me because she wanted to make sure everyone was on a successful path.”
Guidance and Support from Career Services
After high school, Dawson transitioned into Avenue Scholars’ Career Services program, in which Scholars receive support in navigating life after high school. He said his Career Services Coach, Anthony Tate, has been a constant champion in helping him enroll in classes while juggling his work responsibilities.
“He was there to take care of me,” Dawson said. “He’s very personable. He’s someone who can just connect with you on a level outside of a coach or a mentor. He’s someone you want to have by your side.”
After finishing his welding degree this summer, Dawson said wants to explore other degrees and classes to better understand related fields, like machining, to broaden his skillset.
In the skilled trades, he said, “it’s never bad to have a whole bunch of different kinds of knowledge.”
An Early Interest, a Bright Future
Dawson said he’s been interested in working with his hands since age 12, when he worked on engines with his grandpa.
“I’d help him build his tractors,” he said. “It was from the ground up, building the frames, engines, and everything. I love power. I’m a power freak, so if there’s a car that goes loud, I’m all over it.”
It’s not the only way that family has shaped his career ambitions: In the long-term, Dawson said he hopes to one day become a steamfitter mechanic — just like his dad.
“Just kind of following in my dad’s footsteps is where I want to end up,” he said.
