Miller-Motte College (MMC) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, gathered with the Fayetteville community on Friday, Nov. 7, to celebrate the launch of its new Plumbing and Combination Welding programs with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its campus located at 3725 Ramsey Street.

Led by Dr. Janell Geddis, president at MMC Fayetteville, the ceremony provided a chance for members of the community to learn more about the programs and tour the campus. Attendees included MMC faculty, staff, students, business partners of the school and local government representatives. 

“Your presence here today is really a reminder of the power of partnership and what can happen when education, workforce development and opportunity comes together.,” shared Geddis in her address to attendees. “This is an expansion that represents so much more than just new classrooms and labs. This is about equipping people with skills that change lives. It's about helping students, it's finding their purpose. It gives stability and even pride in having meaningful work. As Fayetteville continues to grow with new infrastructure, construction, manufacturing opportunities, our mission is the same – it’s to connect students with the opportunity to build a stronger and more resilient workforce.” 

Attendees got to hear from both program leaders about the details of the education students will receive. 

MMC announced the launch of the Combination Welding (CW) program at their Fayetteville campus in February of this year, and the addition of their plumbing program in July. 

This CW certificate program is designed to equip graduates with skills and knowledge in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding, and plasma arc cutting (PAC). Shop courses include the use of hand and specialty tools and emphasize equipment and shop safety.

The CW program curriculum is recognized by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), and students can earn up to five credentials issued by the NCCER throughout their program. Through classes which combine theory with practical application of hands-on skills, the student is also prepared to take a welding certification test meeting the American Welding Society (AWS) standards. Designed to be completed in 40 weeks, the program prepares students for entry-level positions as structural welders, welders helper, shop welder and welding repair in a variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and more. 

“Students spend about 30% of their time in the classroom, learning theory, safety and technique and safety inside the lab, developing hands-on experience through live water projects. From day one, students learn safety protocols, trade terminology and proper equipment setup,” shared CW Program director Terell Beale. “As they progress, they refine electro techniques, understand metal properties and begin building real world projects. Our training reflects industry standards from equipment and materials to PPE and statements. We also maintain strong relationships with local employers through pack meetings.” 

MMC announced their plumbing program in July of 2025 with the goal of expanding plumbing trades education across N.C. The inaugural class began on Aug. , 2025. 

During the program, students receive exposure to skills including correctly measuring, cutting and connecting plastic, copper and steel piping using the correct adhesive, brazing rod or solder. They use tools for the plumbing trade; repair or install valves used for water, natural gas or petroleum gas; and locate building sewers, drains, and fixtures. The Plumbing program is designed to give students hands-on training to prepare them for a successful career in the plumbing industry. Classes combine theory with practical application, providing a safe environment for students to get practice with specialty tools and equipment that they will encounter in their future plumbing career.

With new starts anticipated every 5 weeks and a course load that can be completed in as little as 10 months. MMC Fayetteville’s plumbing program curriculum is designed by subject matter experts in plumbing for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation. With the support of more than 125 construction CEOs, and various association and academic leaders, NCCER creates a standardized training and credentialing program for the construction industry. 

MMC students will complete NCCER knowledge-based exams and hands-on competencies to earn up to five verifiable industry-recognized credentials that do not expire. 

“This program will continue to grow throughout collaboration, potentially connecting with other trades like HVAC and electrical and reflect real job site teamwork. At its core, this program empowers students to turn the skills into sustainable careers,” shared Plumbing Program Director Johnathan Chavis.

Attendees got to hear from business partners of the college about what this could mean for local workforce developments in the trades. MMC has partnered with NC Welding and Bell Cow Services to ensure graduates have access to job opportunities. The ceremony concluded with tours of the campus and networking. 

Learn more about trade programs offered at MMC here.