AHOSKIE, NC –Welders are in demand and can make good money. That was a key takeaway from the R-CCC Weld to Work Ceremony held July 10 at Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC). Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Scout/General Foreman Bobby Farmer was on hand to deliver remarks and congratulate those completing the program.

A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Farmer shared his personal journey with students including how he had the opportunity to participate in the Newport News Shipbuilding apprenticeship program, which led to where he is today. He encouraged the graduates to make a good life for themselves and to take advantage of opportunities. 

“The Shipyard is looking for a new energetic workforce of welders,” added Farmer.

Graduates of the May 28-July 11 session included Na’Sean Alfred, Zachary Bynum, Jordan Harris, K-Von Lassiter, Jermiah Lee, Hunter Martin, Monquel Parker, Christopher Peters and Vernon Whitehurst.

Earlier this year, R-CCC received a $282,415 grant through the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC) to expand the short-term job training program, Weld to Work, which is a six-week certification course. The grant provided building improvements, equipment, a full-time instructor, supplies and materials, and scholarships for up to 100 welding students.

Average hourly wages for skilled welders range from entry level $17-26/hour up to $35 an hour for top-earning pipeline welders, which means they can earn a total of more than $72,000 per year, at 40 hours per week, in NC and Virginia.

 “We appreciate the support of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council to help us meet the workforce needs in our area. We look forward to preparing students with industry-recognized credentials and certificates for productive careers,” said R-CCC President Murray J. Williams. “We are excited employers like Newport News Shipbuilding are interested in hiring our graduates.”

R-CCC Dean of Business Technologies and Public Services Dwayne Ponton said, “We are grateful for the partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding and the HRWC grant.”

Ponton encouraged program graduates to keep building on their skills and working hard to develop their craft. “You are gaining the skills necessary to excel in this field,” he added.

R-CCC Welding Instructor Michael Johnson stressed the importance of preparing to get a job and to continue learning. He said, “We want you to be better so when you go for a job, you can do it... We are proud of what you’ve done.”

More Weld to Work sessions are scheduled. For information about R-CCC programs, visit roanokechowan.edu or call 252-862-1200.

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission
Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243