Jonathan Darbonne’s welding journey didn’t just begin with a spark—it began with purpose. Growing up around weld inspections in his family’s business, he learned early what quality craftsmanship looked like. As he moved through high school, his interests expanded into automotive work, leading him to career and technical education classes his junior year and welding courses his senior year.
Despite receiving a full-ride scholarship elsewhere, Jonathan chose SOWELA. “I wanted the hands-on, in-depth training that SOWELA provides,” he said. He enrolled in Fall 2005, but after Hurricane Rita paused the semester, his first full term didn’t begin until Spring 2006.
Jonathan excelled in the program. “I really enjoyed my instructor, graduated in 2007, and had a job immediately,” he said. His welding career took him across fabrication shops, refinery construction sites, and even nuclear power plants. He eventually became a welding inspector—until a call from his former SOWELA instructor changed his path.
The program urgently needed an adjunct welding instructor. “I was ready to come home and spend more time with my wife,” he shared. Years of traveling as a combination welder had taken him far from Louisiana. On a leap of faith, he began teaching—and discovered a new passion.
“I’ll never forget my first student who graduated. He called to say he passed his welding test and was working in the field. Knowing I helped change his life—I was hooked.”
That spark lit a flame that carried Jonathan forward, and he continued to grow in his career at SOWELA—advancing from adjunct instructor to full-time instructor and program coordinator, and ultimately into the role of Associate Dean.
Colleagues encouraged him to further his education. After thoughtful conversations and prayer with his wife, he decided to take the next step. He earned an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies—becoming the first graduate of the program—and later enrolled in SOWELA’s Business Administration program to strengthen his leadership and management skills. He plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in business at a four-year university.
Jonathan’s passion for welding and his students is unmistakable. “We can’t anticipate everything students will encounter in the field, but we can emphasize 100% quality so they’re fully prepared for the workforce.”
Beyond the degrees, titles, and career milestones, Jonathan says the greatest reward is simple: the students.
“I’ve changed more people’s lives than most people do in five lifetimes because of this job,” he reflected. “That’s the pinnacle—helping people from all walks of life, no matter how they learn.”
