On Friday, May 23, Wesley Corder, Agriculture Teacher from Eastern Randolph High School, took eleven students to RCC’s Archdale Campus to attempt their AWS D1.1 welding certification. Mr. Corder is proud to share that all eleven earned their GMAW (MIG/wire welding) certifications, and ten also earned their SMAW (stick welding) certifications. The only student who didn’t earn SMAW on Friday was Abigail Taylor—because she already earned it last May. As of now, every student in the group holds both certifications—a major accomplishment, especially considering most are just in 9th or 10th grade.
To earn these credentials, students had to complete an 8" fillet weld on 1/8" steel, which had to pass a destructive bend test without cracking or separation. These skills can lead directly to jobs starting at $18–$25/hour.
The RCC welding instructors—and even the restaurant staff where the students had lunch—were highly impressed with these students' skills, manners, and work ethic. "They truly represented what it means to be a Wildcat," states Mr. Corder.
Special recognition goes to Wesley Cooke, who was the first in the group to earn both certifications—on his first attempts.
"This was the best group of students I’ve ever taken to RCC for certification. I’m incredibly proud of them," states Mr. Corder.
Congratulations to the following students:
Bryson Brown
Wesley Cooke
Eli Cox
Brantlee Deaton
Nathan Draughn
Nathaniel Farlow
Sam Goodson
Landon Peterson
Cody Ritter
Justin Shane
Abigail Taylor
