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LBW Community College held a graduation ceremony for the first class of its Women in Welding program Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the MacArthur campus conference center in Opp.

The 12-week program was offered through a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. Courses consisted of welding and lab instruction along with employability skills training and career coaching.

“Because of what these ladies have done by finishing this course and entering this field, they have chipped away at the stigma of welding being a ‘man’s job.’ They have made the path seem a little more possible for the next woman,” LBWCC Welding Instructor Nathan Brawner said.

This year’s graduates were Xylenia Fluellen, Crystal Frost, Amber Haney, Heather Kilcrease, Whitney Owens, Brianna Peterson, Jamie Stewart, Kelley Weeks, and Charlene Wyatt. Each graduate was presented with a certificate by career coach Amy Mills at the ceremony.

Students earned OSHA 10 Construction Certification, certifications in GMAW for the 2F, 3F, and 4F positions, the Alabama Certified Worker certification, National Career Readiness Certificate, Northstar Digital Literacy certifications, and the Ready to Work Certificate.

“I appreciate the Women’s Foundation of Alabama for funding this course and LBW for choosing me to teach it. All of the ladies put in a lot of hard work and dedication to this program,” Brawner added.

LBW Adult Education hopes to offer additional similar programs in the future. For more information email adulted@lbwcc.edu.