For most students, a field trip is just a day away from the classroom. However, when Fernando Perez, a Premier High School – Mission alum, first visited IHC Suspension in Mission, Texas, on a class field trip, he had no idea the experience would lead him to discover a new passion and launch his career.
Premier High School – Mission Alum Fernando Perez
Fernando’s journey began at Premier High School – Mission, where he enrolled in the campus’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Welding Program. Through local partnerships, the Welding program teaches students the basics of various welding techniques, including stick welding, Flux-Core, TIG, and MIG. Students also learn to interpret weld drawings, manage projects, and cut with flame and plasma while working in fully equipped booths using the same tools and equipment employed by professionals in the field.
Enrolled students receive hands-on experience, including participation in welding competitions and special projects, not only preparing them for the workforce but also giving them the confidence to step into a high-demand industry immediately or continue their education with a competitive edge.
Students also learn to interpret weld drawings, manage projects, and cut flame and plasma while working in fully equipped booths with Flextec 500X welding machines and plenty of metal to weld. Those enrolled receive hands-on experience, including participation in welding competitions and special projects. Upon completion, program participants can receive an industry-recognized certification, giving students like Fernando the confidence to step into a high-demand industry with a competitive edge.
Upon graduation, Fernando earned both his high school diploma and welding certification. Shortly after, he was hired by IHC Suspension, the same company he had first encountered as a student. Today, just three months into his career, he operates specialized machinery and high-precision laser equipment as part of the production process.
“Fernando’s story is exactly why we invest in career and technical education,” said Campus Director Laura Thatcher. “By exposing students to real industries and giving them practical skills, we’re setting them up for long-term success.”
CTE programs like those offered at Premier High School – Mission are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. They connect students to high-demand industries, provide pathways to certifications, and help graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute from day one. In communities like Mission, these programs also strengthen the local economy by developing skilled workers who can fill critical roles close to home.
Fernando’s experience is more than a personal success story; it’s proof of how experiential learning and strong school-industry partnerships can create life-changing opportunities for the next generation of leaders in advanced manufacturing and beyond.
Find a Premier High School campus near you to learn about the unique educational opportunities these campuses offer their students. For more information or to apply at Premier High School – Mission, visit premier-mission.com.
