Pictured (from left) is: Gustavo Perez, Nicholas Shifflet, Juan Mata, Rebecca Rocha, Lawton Flinn, Noah Duck and instructor Braden Jones.
Northeast Texas Community College and Diamond C Trailers celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Process Welding Academy on Thursday, July 25th at Diamond C headquarters. Six students completed the eight-week, 12-credit hour program that teaches the processes and techniques needed to start a career as a production welder. Click here to view/download photos from the event.
Graduates include: Noah Duck (Hughes Springs), Lawton Flinn (Winnsboro), Juan Mata (Mount Pleasant), Gustavo Perez (Mount Pleasant), Rebecca Rocha (Mount Pleasant), and Nicholas Shifflet (Omaha). The program was taught by instructor Braden Jones.
The Process Welding Academy is made possible thanks to a TRUE Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It is specifically aimed toward reskilling and upskilling workers into high-demand fields. The curriculum for the program was designed to teach Diamond C processes so welders are employable upon graduation. Thanks to the grant, students are currently able to complete the program at no cost to them.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of this first cohort of the Process Welding Academy. Not only did all of the students successfully pass the Diamond C skills test at the end of the program, they were all offered positions as welders,” Dr. Miles Young, NTCC Dean of Workforce Education, said. “This model is really a win-win as it benefits the college, Diamond C, and – most importantly – the students and their families.”
In addition to achieving a micro-credential in Process Welding, students also earned 12 credit hours that they can build upon if they choose to continue their college education. While most of the instruction took place at NTCC, students also spent time at Diamond C learning from their trainers and watching their welders in action. Some of the students had never welded before starting the program.
"Diamond C is proud to endorse and support the Process Welding Academy in collaboration with Northeast Texas Community College. We believe in investing in our community and workforce. We are excited to welcome these skilled welders to the Diamond C family and look forward to their contributions to our continued success," Barbara Grubbs, Diamond C Vice President of HR, said.
The next cohort of the Process Welding Academy begins in late August. While that class is at capacity, NTCC is also enrolling for the third cohort that begins in October. Scholarships are available that cover tuition, fees and all supplies for a limited time. Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and is eligible to be a student at NTCC can enroll in the program. Classes will meet for eight weeks from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for dedicated students who are willing to put in the work. You can literally walk onto campus knowing nothing about welding and graduate with the skills and confidence to go to work as a production welder making a competitive wage,” Jimmy Smith, NTCC Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Training, said.
Prospective students should visit ntcc.edu/weldnow for more information and complete the brief Process Welding Academy Candidate Survey. Students can also contact Cali Davis, College Navigator, at 903-434-8147 or cmdavis@ntcc.edu for assistance.
