Albemarle College (COA), in partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), announced that COA's Welding Technology program has been accredited as a Maritime Trades Training (MTT) program. This latest development provides a pipeline for students completing her COA Diploma in Welding to enter her NNS workforce and start work without delaying their maritime training when entering the workforce.
Albemarle College's Welding Technology program provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology, and applications essential to employment in the welding and metals industry. Description includes welding and cutting processes for consumable and non-consumable electrodes. Graduates are eligible for employment as entry-level technicians in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Career opportunities include self-employment in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and welding.
Joel Forehand, an Albemarle College graduate, is employed by NNS. He graduated from his COA with a degree in welding in July 2023, and in August 2023 he started working at NNS, and currently he is serving as a part-time instructor at COA. Newport News Shipyard has his MMT program, an extensive orientation process that all employees are required to complete during their initial employment. Forehand entered NNS so well prepared that he piqued the interest of management, which ultimately led to a conversation that would become the basis for him to have COA certified as his MTT program.
“Anytime we can expand and strengthen our partnerships with regional employers, it’s an exciting opportunity for the university, but it’s even more important for our students,” said COA Dean of Business, Industrial, and Applied Technology and COA – said Michelle Waters, Currituck campus administrator. . “Workforce development and ensuring students are work-ready the day they graduate are COA's top goals. This partnership will help ensure COA's welding program meets the goals of our leading industry partners. Masu.”
Albemarle University is committed to meeting workforce needs throughout Northeastern North Carolina and the Norfolk, Virginia metropolitan area.
Albemarle College students will use this training to gain employment with NNS and support its mission to “defend peace and freedom around the world by providing the world's most powerful vessels and solutions in all areas of service to the nation.” We support the creation of customer benefits. world. “
COA Chairman Dr Jack Bagwell said: This accreditation is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by Albemarle University. Our commitment to workforce development and educational excellence continues to drive our efforts to prepare students for successful careers. We are dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding the needs of the industries we serve, ensuring our students are not only job-ready, but also ahead of the curve in technical skills and knowledge. I guarantee you that. ”
For more information about COA's Welding Technology program, please visit www.albemarle.edu/welding or contact Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator Jeff Spear at jeff_spear@albemarle.edu or 252-335-0821, ext. 2335.
