Short-term training in welding is now available at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Those interested in earning welding certifications in less than eight months should attend an information session on Monday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. at the college’s R3 Career Center in Kannapolis.
Through the college’s $120,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce in support of the NC Back-to-Work initiative, many students will qualify for free tuition for the welding program. Students will also receive assistance with job placement.
One of the college’s successes from last year’s NC Back-to-Work grant was Brandi Hilliard. Hilliard enrolled in the three-day per week continuing education welding class that started last October at Mechanical Trades Carolina, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s training partner.
“Brandi quickly amazed her instructor and classmates with her natural welding abilities,” said John Sciadini, training director for Mechanical Trades Carolina.
Hilliard’s registration fee and welding tools were covered under the NC Back-to-Work program. She took advantage of every opportunity to test for American Welding Society certifications and graduated from the welding training program with a total of seven different industry-recognized certifications.
Today, Brandi works in Charleston as a welder earning journeyman wages ($34 per hour). This job also provides Hilliard with benefits and the opportunity to earn overtime pay.
R3 Career Center services are offered at 200 West Ave., in Kannapolis. The R3 Career Center is a career development center established by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to assist displaced workers, those who are unemployed or under-employed.
Anyone who has an interest in Back-to-Work classes should contact the College’s R3 Center in Kannapolis at 704-216-7201. For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, please visit www.rccc.edu.