It’s been less than a week since Sampson Community College officials and industry leaders broke ground on what will become a state-of-the-art welding facility. The new 10,000-square-foot structure will be a beacon for opportunity in the region for employers as well as future employees.

As a result, SCC’s Welding Technology Department has wasted little time seeking out recruits to walk through those doors before, during and after the $4 million facility is complete. Dale Godbold, Lead Welding instructor at SCC, was on hand at Midway High School last week during the Career and College Promise Event.

“We are here to advertise our program so future students can become welders of all types,” says Godbold. “We are not a well-kept secret at all, particularly after last week’s groundbreaking. The show of support from our local officials and industry here has made a statement very loud and clear. There are opportunities here and what better way to introduce these high school students to welding than have students who walked these halls with them just last year come out and demonstrate what they’ve learned.”

Godbold and student, David Escobar, prepare equipment for demonstrations.

SCC’s Welding Technology curriculum provides students with an understanding of the science, technology, and application essential for successful use in the welding and metal industry. Instruction includes consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Courses in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing provides students with industry standard skills that will increase their chances of success finding employment after school.

“Education is ever-evolving and ever-changing,” says Monty Strickland, Principal at Midway High School. “The more options they have the better. Sampson Community College does a great job providing those. Ultimately, it’s all about options for the kids.” To learn more about Welding Technology at the college, contact Godbold at dgodbold@sampsoncc.edu or at 910.900.4121.