TCCC opened doors for Burgess

David Burgess of Murphy is going places thanks to Tri-County Community College (TCCC). The knowledge and training he gained at TCCC has enabled Burgess to advance his career and open new doors.  Currently working as a contract welder in Iraq, Burgess gives TCCC the credit for getting him there.

“If you want to go somewhere, Tri-County Community College has what you need, but you have to put in the time and effort to make it happen,” said Burgess. 

After moving to Murphy from Florida, Burgess began working in his father-in-law’s construction business, but as the economy declined and work became scarce, Burgess knew he needed another avenue to support his family.

“I was out of money and I needed a new start,” he said.

He spotted a TCCC advertisement in a local newspaper, but quickly found out the first task to achieving his goal of financial independence via welding was to acquire his General Education Development (GED) diploma.

“All the processes fell into place and getting my GED was the ticket to everything.  It meant the world to me,” said Burgess. “I originally came to Tri-County interested in the welding program because the ad promised big dollars after completing the welding degree, however, before I could get started, I had to get my GED.”

Soon after acquiring his GED, Burgess was able to enroll in the TCCC welding program.  After three semesters, he tested well enough in front of potential employers that not only left them impressed with his talent, but also caused his telephone to start ringing.

Eventually, Burgess interviewed with a large independent contracting company working in Iraq, thus as a result of his successful interview, he found himself welding components onto military vehicles at a U.S. military base inside Iraq. 

Although away from family and friends for periods up to six months, Burgess is now able to comfortably support his family with his substantial increase in income.  He gives all the credit to TCCC.

 “If it were not for the people here at Tri-County I wouldn’t have what I have in my life today,” said Burgess.  “It all starts right here at Tri-County Community College.”