COA’s Welding Technology Program Earns Prestigious Certification as a Marine Trades Training Program

Newport News, VA – An exciting development in the world of higher education and vocational training has been announced. The Welding Technology Program offered by the College of The Albemarle (COA) has been certified as a Marine Trades Training (MTT) program. This significant certification has been facilitated through a partnership with the highly-regarded Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). A significant outcome of this development is that students graduating from COA with a diploma in welding can readily enter the workforce at NNS without the typical delay of extra Marines Trades Training on entering their employment.

Nurturing Ready-to-employ Graduates

Students engaged in COA’s Welding Technology program gain an in-depth understanding of the essential sciences, technologies, and applications that pave the way for successful employment in the welding and metal industry. The program includes instruction in both consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Graduates from the program can look forward to employability as entry-level technicians in the welding and metalworking industries. Furthermore, the certification widens career openings in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and even welding-related self-employment opportunities.

A Notable Success Story

Demonstrating the potential of the program, former COA student and current adjunct COA instructor, Joel Forehand, presents an inspiring success story. Having graduated from COA with a diploma in welding in July 2023, he started his employment with NNS in just the following month. His well-prepared entry into the workforce at NNS impressed their leadership so much that it triggered conversations leading to COA’s certification as an MTT program.

Building Strong Partnerships and Workforce Readiness

This new certification enhances the partnership between the College and regional employers – a development described as “exciting” by Michelle Waters, COA Dean, Business, Industry, and Applied Technologies. “Workforce development and ensuring our students are workforce ready the day they graduate are top goals for COA. This partnership helps ensure COA’s welding program meets those goals for a large industry partner,” she shared.

Aligning with a Diverse Workforce

College of The Albemarle continues to dedicate itself to meeting the workforce needs throughout Northeast North Carolina and as far-reaching as the Norfolk Metropolitan in Virginia. COA President Dr. Jack Bagwell commended the new certification, stating it as a testament to the quality of education and training provided by COA. He added, “We are dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding the needs of the industries we serve, ensuring our students are not just job-ready, but are ahead of the curve in their technical skills and knowledge.”

More about the Welding Technology Program

Anyone interested in learning more about COA’s Welding Technology program can visit the alma mater’s website or contact Jeff Spear, the assistant professor of program coordinator, to gain detailed information about the program.