Hoke County Schools and Sandhills Community College forge partnership to offer welding program to adult learners

By Staff Report, posted Apr 22, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

From left to right: Tess Regan, Director, Advanced Manufacturing at SCC; Royce Bernhardt, Welding Instructor for SCC; Dr. Dana Chavis, Hoke County Schools CTE Executive Director; and Jason Levister, Director of WCE CCP Programs & Experiential Learning at Sandhills Community College. Photo provided by Sandhills Community College.

A valuable collaboration is bringing in-demand skills to the adult population of Hoke County. Hoke County Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) department has joined forces with Sandhills Community College to offer evening and weekend welding classes, providing accessible pathways to in-demand career skills.

This initiative addresses the growing need for skilled welders in the region, offering adults the chance to enhance their employability or pursue a new career path. By utilizing the resources and expertise of both institutions, the program provides a comprehensive learning experience.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

Accessible Learning: Saturday classes, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults, making education attainable for a wider audience.
Industry-Relevant Skills: The curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of local industries, ensuring graduates possess the skills employers seek.
Community Collaboration: This partnership exemplifies the commitment of Hoke County Schools and Sandhills Community College to fostering economic growth and workforce development within the community.

"We are thrilled to partner with Sandhills Community College to provide these valuable welding classes to our adult learners," said Dr. Dana Chavis, representing Hoke County Schools CTE department, in a press release. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today's workforce."

"By working together, we can provide accessible and relevant training that benefits both individuals and the local economy," said Sandhills Community College Associate Provost Michelle Bauer in a press release.

The welding night classes are scheduled to begin in July 2025 and end December 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Sandhills Community College for more information.

The Basic Welding Skills Workshop TIG & Stick class is not a prerequisite for Welding Level 1. Welding Workshop Skills focuses on the fundamentals used in basic TIG and Stick welding. The class is designed to provide basic welding skills training. The focus is on safety and techniques, including metal cutting and fitting, and welding skills using generally recognized industry processes.

Classes will be offered on Saturdays, July 19 through Dec. 13 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. by Royce Bernhart in the Welding Classroom at Hoke High School. The cost for all sessions is $297.50.

Students can register on FundFive—https://sandhillscc-register.fundfive.com/course. For more information contact Tess Regan, Director Advanced Manufacturing regant@sandhills.edu or call 910-246-4117.

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