Growing up in San Diego’s East County, Marine Corps veteran Austin Gildark learned resiliency early in life. Raised between two households after his parents divorced, he acknowledges that while it was normal for him, it would be different for others.

“[I grew] up with parents who didn’t talk, and if they did talk, it was just a constant argument,” he shares.

When he graduated from high school, he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps, where he became a radio operator, ensuring effective communications in his unit. His service included stints in Camp Lejeune, NC; Okinawa, Japan; and, finally, a homecoming of sorts at Camp Pendleton in north San Diego County.

In planning his transition from service, he explored his options and learned about Workshops for Warriors. Thanks to the dedicated staff, he was able to enroll into the CNC machining program a few days before the summer session started. Originally drawn to welding, Austin pivoted toward machining due to the strong career prospects and immediately felt at home in the school’s supportive, veteran-centered environment.

“The school helps pick you up and carry you to the light at the end of the tunnel,” Austin says, reflecting on his journey. With the help of hands-on instructors and teaching assistants who share his background, he overcame both administrative and personal hurdles to thrive in the program.

Austin recently accepted a job offer with Axian Technologies in Arizona, where he’ll be working on high-precision aerospace components, including parts for the Hellfire missile. He and his wife are currently in escrow on a home in the Phoenix area, a milestone he credits directly to the training and support he received at Workshops for Warriors.

Looking ahead, Austin is focused on building a stable and fulfilling future for his young family, which includes 2- and 4-year-old boys. He sees his new career not just as a job, but as a bridge between his military experience and a prosperous civilian life.

His advice to other veterans? “If you want a trade that pays well, keeps you out of an office, and doesn’t wreck your body, machining is a great path – and Workshops for Warriors will support you every step of the way.”

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