Name: Francisco Gomez
FFA Chapter: Liberty Ranch FFA
CDEs and LDEs Participated In: Ag Mechanics
What inspired you to get involved in those specific events?
My teachers played a huge role in encouraging me. They saw I had a natural talent for welding and really pushed me to develop my skills. They helped me fine-tune my abilities and get qualified to compete in events.
What was the highest achievement you reached in competition?
My senior year, our team won first place at state finals, and I also earned first high individual. That was a huge accomplishment and a proud moment for me.
How did your experiences in CDEs and LDEs help shape your career interests?
I had some experience with welding through 4-H and working at home, but when I started in school, I got to see the industrial side of welding. The competitions exposed me to more advanced skills and different aspects of the trade, which made me realize I could do this as a career. Seeing professionals at competitions with their work trucks and equipment also showed me that I could be financially successful in this field.
What does your career in welding and pipe fitting involve?
I am currently an Apprentice Pipe Fitter and Welder at DDK Mechanical. In this role, I work across various job sites, applying my mechanical skills to help construct infrastructure for new commercial and industrial buildings. The skills I first developed in my agricultural mechanics classes—such as welding, fabrication, and assembling piping systems—continue to be essential in my work today.
What skills did you develop through these events that you still use in your job today?
Problem-solving is a big one. In my job, I have to figure out how to fit pieces together efficiently to make everything work correctly. Time management was another key skill—balancing school, practice, and competitions taught me how to handle a busy schedule, which helps in my apprenticeship.
Can you share a specific moment from a competition that challenged you and helped you grow?
At competitions, there was always a skill or technique I wasn’t completely confident in. If I struggled in one area, I’d go back and work on it so that at the next competition, I could do better. That process of identifying weaknesses and improving them was a great learning experience.
Looking back, what was the most valuable lesson you took from your participation?
The most valuable lesson was learning that there’s always room for improvement. No matter how skilled you think you are, there’s always a way to get better. Competitions pushed me to refine my skills and keep striving to improve.
