Courtney Moser Turns an Unexpected Affinity for Welding into a Burgeoning Career
By Zach Fields
CEFGA Vice President, K12 Pipeline
As a high school junior, Courtney Moser, like many of her peers, was unsure what her next move would be. Inspired by the positive experience a friend had in the welding program at Lawrenceville’s Maxwell High School of Technology, she decided to enroll in the class her senior year. That’s when everything changed.
Courtney showed great promise in the program, and under the guidance of Charles Kachmar – affectionately known as “Coach K” – she began developing her skills in the craft. Shortly thereafter, Courtney made the wise decision to join SkillsUSA. Maxwell High School of Technology students have a long history of performing at the top level within the SkillsUSA organization. While she didn’t know it at the time, Courtney would become a part of that storied legacy as well.
Courtney honed her skills in the metals program and earned nationally recognized NCCER Core and Level 1 Welding Certifications. Through sweat, hard work and attention to detail, this work culminated in a project that showcased the metal working skills she had developed.
Fast-forward to March 2016 and that project would be judged the best in the state of Georgia. Courtney describes the experience as “the best thing that has ever happened to me.” As a result, she received a full-tuition scholarship to Tulsa Welding School, and ultimately landed a job she loves – one in which she gets paid for her passion as a welder for Kubota.
“I love working with my hands and proving that women can be just as good as men,” Courtney says.
Keith Preston, Courtney’s supervisor at Kubota, says she is doing that and more. “Courtney is very dedicated and determined to do the best she can at everything she does. She is a great employee.”
Courtney is making quite an impression and is right on track to achieve her goal of becoming a lead welder. Her advice to others considering a career in the trades:
“The best advice I can give is if you want to work in this industry you have to work hard and be dedicated. This line of work isn’t easy; you have to be able to push yourself. You need to love what you do, because if you love your job, it’s not just a job anymore.”
Well-said, Courtney! CEFGA is proud to support your path to our industry. We applaud you for discovering your passion and taking advantage of opportunities provided through your local Career Tech program. Most importantly, we are proud to showcase your story to serve as an inspiration for numerous others who are seeking to live out their passion by connecting to the many rewarding careers awaiting them in the construction industry.
