EL PASO, TEXAS – There’s a bright future being forged at the YISD Career Center, and Parkland High School’s very own Dylan Rodriguez is leading the way with a torch in hand.
In just his first year in the welding program, Dylan has transitioned from a novice student to one of the top-ranked young welders in the state of Texas. His journey through the 2026 SkillsUSA competition circuit has been nothing short of dominant, proving that dedication and technical precision can lead to rapid success.
A Season of Gold and Silver
Dylan’s competitive season ignited in February at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held at Western Technical College. Competing in the Welding One category—an event designed to test the fundamental skills of first-year students—Dylan outperformed a field of talented peers from across the region to secure a 1st Place finish.
That victory earned him a ticket to the big stage: the SkillsUSA Texas State Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi. On April 8th, Dylan faced off against the best first-year welders in the state. After a grueling day of technical assessments and hands-on welding challenges, Dylan brought home the 2nd Place Silver Medal, officially ranking him as one of the elite student welders in Texas.
Beyond the Competition: Mastering the Craft
While the medals are a testament to his talent, Dylan isn't slowing down to celebrate. He is currently back in the shop at the YISD Career Center focusing on a major professional milestone: the American Welding Society (AWS) 3G Open Root Certification.
"Dylan's achievement as a first-year student is remarkable. To place at state while simultaneously working on advanced certifications like the 3G open root shows a level of focus and maturity that will take him far in this industry." Guillermo Velasquez, Welding Instructor
The 3G certification is a rigorous vertical-position weld test that is a standard requirement for many high-level industrial jobs. For Dylan, mastering this "open root" technique means he is not just winning competitions—he is building a career.
Congratulations, Dylan! The entire Matador community is proud of your hard work and the way you represent Parkland High School in the trades. We can’t wait to see what you build next.
