Success Stories
Aaron Beagley
Education
Oklahoma Bible Academy, 2011
Autry Welding Technology, 2011
Get to Know Aaron
Autry Technology Center student Aaron Beagley, and OBA senior, was part of a team who went to Niger, Africa, to rework previously drilled water wells that will provide safe water for the people of Niger.
The first day in Niger, the team checked the rig, water trailer and air compressor and found the trailers in need of repair. They had the necessary welding equipment, but they needed someone with welding skills to fix the broken trailer hitches. Fortunately through training in the welding class at Autry, Aaron had earned his certifications needed to do the welding and save the team time and money spent on locating an African welder with those skills.
Using a scrap piece of steel to determine how hot the arc was burning and the size of a puddle the welder was making, Aaron began the task of welding the trailers. A team member helped by changing the amperage up or down at Aaron’s direction.
While the welder and torch set was in good condition, the other needed equipment was not, especially the safety equipment. The helmet was broken and had to be balanced on Aaron’s head. Legs out of a pair of jeans were used as sleeves and a rice bag was cut open and attached to protect his chest.
“If I went back to Niger it would be to help open up economic possibilities. They can harvest eleven months out of the year. If they had someone with an agricultural engineering degree, the entire country could be transformed,” says Beagley. “You see such great potential for a place like that.”
Aaron is a first year student in the Welding Technology program at Autry Technology Center. After graduating high school, Aaron plans to join the Marines and attend the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). The Marines will pay for 50% of his school and the welding certifications will help him get a good job so he can pay for the other half of college. After graduating UCO, Aaron plans to fly helicopters for the Marines.
“There’s a certain group of people who get their college degrees and can’t find a job right after graduation. By coming to Autry and gaining a skill, it can help you financially in between the time you graduate and get a job,” says Beagley. “I believe knowing a basic skill in life will help you out more than anything.”
If you or someone you know attended Autry or CareerTech and would like to share your story, please contact Autry. Email Autry.
Success Stories
Aaron Beagley
Education
Oklahoma Bible Academy, 2011
Autry Welding Technology, 2011
Get to Know Aaron
Autry Technology Center student Aaron Beagley, and OBA senior, was part of a team who went to Niger, Africa, to rework previously drilled water wells that will provide safe water for the people of Niger.
The first day in Niger, the team checked the rig, water trailer and air compressor and found the trailers in need of repair. They had the necessary welding equipment, but they needed someone with welding skills to fix the broken trailer hitches. Fortunately through training in the welding class at Autry, Aaron had earned his certifications needed to do the welding and save the team time and money spent on locating an African welder with those skills.
Using a scrap piece of steel to determine how hot the arc was burning and the size of a puddle the welder was making, Aaron began the task of welding the trailers. A team member helped by changing the amperage up or down at Aaron’s direction.
While the welder and torch set was in good condition, the other needed equipment was not, especially the safety equipment. The helmet was broken and had to be balanced on Aaron’s head. Legs out of a pair of jeans were used as sleeves and a rice bag was cut open and attached to protect his chest.
“If I went back to Niger it would be to help open up economic possibilities. They can harvest eleven months out of the year. If they had someone with an agricultural engineering degree, the entire country could be transformed,” says Beagley. “You see such great potential for a place like that.”
Aaron is a first year student in the Welding Technology program at Autry Technology Center. After graduating high school, Aaron plans to join the Marines and attend the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). The Marines will pay for 50% of his school and the welding certifications will help him get a good job so he can pay for the other half of college. After graduating UCO, Aaron plans to fly helicopters for the Marines.
“There’s a certain group of people who get their college degrees and can’t find a job right after graduation. By coming to Autry and gaining a skill, it can help you financially in between the time you graduate and get a job,” says Beagley. “I believe knowing a basic skill in life will help you out more than anything.”
If you or someone you know attended Autry or CareerTech and would like to share your story, please contact Autry. Email Autry.