Welding program helps PBSC graduate make career change

After spending 15 years as a craft beer brewer, Jamie Traylor found himself at a crossroads. Work was slowing down, and with a family to support, he knew it was time for a change.

Traylor, 45, grew up in a rural town in the Mississippi Delta, where visits to New Orleans sparked a fascination with the metalwork found in the city's architecture. Years later, a friend, who happened to be a master welder and metal sculptor, introduced him to the art of metalworking. Under his guidance, Traylor developed a deep appreciation for the craft.

After moving to Florida, Traylor decided to pursue his passion more seriously. Living just five minutes from the Lake Worth campus, he enrolled in PBSC’s Welding Technology career certificate program in 2024.

Traylor thrived in the hands-on environment, enjoying his time in the welding lab and learning skills like torch cutting, arc welding and pipe welding. He used the knowledge he gained to work on personal projects, making bird feeders for his cockatiel, Jupiter, and several yard ornaments. He recommends PBSC for its affordability, quality instruction and strong job placement outcomes.

During his time at PBSC, Traylor balanced multiple roles: father, soccer coach, part-time bakery employee and student. Despite the demands, he excelled, even earning third place in PBSC’s welding art competition with a metal birdhouse he created and his partner and son helped paint.

The competition was a highlight of Traylor’s time at PBSC, bringing together welding students from the Lake Worth and Belle Glade campuses to showcase their creativity and skill. The competition was stiff with students crafting welded pieces like flowers, hearts and robots.  Goldland Industrial Company, a manufacturer of welding helmets, goggles and air-purifying respirators, donated dozens of auto-darkening welding hoods for the event. Each student received one, with the top three winners, including Traylor, getting first choice of the gear. Industry partnerships like this help students build professional connections and secure job opportunities.

Now a graduate of the program, Traylor credits PBSC welding instructor Joshua Magwood with motivating him to stay the course and pursue a career in the field.

“Josh is a master at his trade, and I've learned a lot from him,” Traylor said. “I knew some things going into the school, but I never thought that I would learn as much as I've learned just from one guy. I have 100% confidence that anyone he teaches will come out of that class with the knowledge to master the trade.” 

Traylor’s dedication in and out of the classroom didn’t go unnoticed. Thanks to Magwood, who connected him with a local employer, Traylor had a job lined up before graduating in the spring. He’ll be joining the welding team at Mesocore, a West Palm Beach company that builds modular homes focused on affordability and sustainability. As the company ramps up production, Traylor will help bring these homes to life.

“Jamie’s success is proof that it’s never too late to change paths,” Magwood said. “He showed up every day ready to learn and put in the work. The detail he put into his projects speaks to the pride he takes in his work.”

Traylor’s advice to anyone considering a career change is simple: don’t be afraid. “If you need to make a career change, make it while you still feel like you can, so you’re not living in a negative environment the rest of your life,” he says.