On April 14, Beaufort County Community College welcomed dual-enrolled students from high schools in the college’s four-county service area for a regional welding competition sponsored by NC East Alliance, a regional economic development organization representing 29 counties.
Beaufort CCC now teaches welding classes at high schools in Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington, its entire service area. Each school was invited to select two students to compete: Northside High School, Southside High School, Columbia Early College High School, Washington County High School, and Pungo Christian Academy. All welding students from those schools were invited to campus for the tour and lunch, giving many of them their first look at Beaufort CCC’s programs in person.
The competition gave students a chance to demonstrate hands-on skills under real conditions. Contestants were evaluated on personal protective equipment, oxygen cutting torch operation, face cover pass welding, and root penetration, fundamental competencies that employers in manufacturing and construction look for when hiring skilled welders.
Shan’ylia Galindo-Pledger of Washington County High School earned first place. Brady Gibbs of Hyde Academy took second, and Tucker Davenport of Columbia Early College High School placed third. Congratulations to all of the students who competed.
Exploring Career Pathways at Beaufort CCC
The competition was only part of the day. While contestants welded, their classmates toured a wide range of programs at Beaufort CCC, getting a firsthand look at the career pathways available at the college. Programs on the tour included Agribusiness Technology, Automotive Technology, Boat Manufacture and Service, the Centralized Advising Center, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Welding Technology.
For many students, a visit like this is the first step toward choosing a career. Beaufort CCC’s technical and career programs are designed to prepare students for high-demand jobs in eastern North Carolina and beyond, often in as little as one to two years.
NC East Alliance provided lunch for all touring students and contestants and sponsored prizes for the top finishers.
Building Workforce Opportunity in Eastern North Carolina
NC East Alliance works to strengthen the regional workforce and connect eastern North Carolina residents with opportunities to succeed. The organization’s efforts span 29 counties and include enhancing STEM education initiatives, attracting employers to the region, and supporting small and rural communities that may lack the resources to access funding on their own.
Events like this welding competition reflect that mission in action. By bringing students onto a college campus and exposing them to technical programs, NC East Alliance and BCCC are working together to show young people in rural eastern North Carolina that rewarding, well-paying careers are within reach right here at home.