The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) has announced that students of its nationally recognized manufacturing career skills programs, offered in partnership with Mountwest Community & Technical College, have earned more than 165 college degrees, certificates and national certifications.
“Our students are in great demand,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director and CEO. “More than 95 percent find employment in their chosen occupations, many even before they graduate. At RCBI we’re proud to educate and prepare individuals for good-paying jobs while meeting industry demand for skilled workers.”
RCBI Machinist Technology/CNC students earning associate of applied science degrees are Daniel Walker and Cade Milum, both of Huntington; and Chance Billings of Worthington, Ky. These college graduates also earned 21 individual machining certificates and 16 industry credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), meaning their skills meet industry established standards and are recognized by employers nationwide.
Earning first-year certificates in Machinist Technology are Christopher Gould of Tioga; Edward McGee of Barboursville; Scott Mullins of Huntington; Shane Pickens of Apple Grove; Haden Plum of Keyser; Robert Thomas of Lavalette; Cameron Watts of Salt Rock; Levi Wilson of Fenwick; and Joshua Maynard of Scottown, Ohio. These students also earned 48 machining certificates and individual industry certifications.
Welding Technology graduates earning associate of applied science degrees are James Blain of Gallipolis Ferry, Curon Cordon of Charleston, Nicholas Edwards of Scott Depot, Samuel Eplin of Barboursville, Adam Frazier of Wayne, and Dennis Ramsey and Justin Robertson of Huntington. These graduates also earned 27 individual welding certificates.
Earning one-year degree certificates in Welding Technology are Samuel Effingham, Jordan Mandeville, Blake Tomblin and Michael Tyree, all of Huntington; Justin Erwin and David Harrison of Ona; Matthew Grimmett of Barboursville; Bethany Nutter of Summersville; and Joseph Reavis of Culloden. These students also earned 16 individual welding certificates.
First-year students Joshua Ellis, Ryan Norris, Garry Stevenson and Courtney White, all of Huntington; Jacob Pauley of Alkol; and Brandon Slayton of Hurricane earned seven individual welding certificates.
“West Virginia added 300 manufacturing jobs in both March and April,” Weber said. “In addition, manufacturers have announced plans to create at least 1,500 additional jobs in southern West Virginia, including multiple machinist and welding positions. We need more people to pursue these careers so West Virginia manufacturers can continue to expand and our state can attract additional industry.”
RCBI’s Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs are enrolling for fall semester. For more information visit www.rcbi.org/career-skills or contact Jill Goheen at or Steven Stacy at .
May 23, 2022
