WCC Welding Students at Wilkes Correctional Earn 100% Pass Rate on National Exam

WCC Welding Students at Wilkes Correctional Earn 100% Pass Rate on National Exam

Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College (WCC) is celebrating a major milestone following the successful completion of its Offender Welding Class, a 96-hour workforce training program that exceeded expectations and concluded at 99 instructional hours. Offered twice annually in the spring and fall, the program is delivered through a partnership among Gardner Glass, Wilkes Correctional Facility, and Wilkes Community College, each contributing essential resources, participants, and instruction.

The intensive hands‑on course introduces students to core welding processes, including MIG and stick welding, metal preparation, safety procedures, and fabrication techniques. The curriculum is designed to mirror industry expectations and prepare participants for entry‑level employment in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication.

Thomas Nix; L. Johnson, Programs Director; J. Duncan, Warden; Michael Sheets; Bruce Gray; Justin Edwards; Kevin Waterman, K. Hayworth, Programs Supervisor; Brandon Duncan; W. Johnson, Instructor; Kenneth Allred; William Buchanan; T. Adams, Case Manager, Educational Coordinator 

Eight students from Wilkes Correctional Facility recently completed the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.3 Sheet Metal Welding Exam, a nationally recognized certification that validates a welder’s ability to meet industry standards for design, fabrication, qualification, and inspection. All eight students passed the exam, earning a 100 percent pass rate. This marked the first time the AWS D1.3 exam has been offered to participants in the Offender Welding Class, making the perfect pass rate an exceptional and unprecedented achievement.

“This achievement is a milestone that validates the students’ hard work, perseverance, and commitment while demonstrating the transformative power of education to equip incarcerated individuals with industry‑respected credentials that foster rehabilitation, workforce readiness, and successful reintegration into society,” said Heather Brooks, Coordinator of Occupational Extension with Wilkes Community College.

Brooks credited instructor Will Johnson for his dedication and leadership, which played a critical role in preparing students for success.  She also acknowledged the staff at Wilkes Correctional Facility for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout the program.

WCC remains committed to expanding partnerships that strengthen workforce development, create pathways to employment, and positively impact individuals and the broader community. The college continues to explore additional credentialing opportunities and advanced training options to support students as they transition into the workforce.

About Wilkes Community College

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.