September 28, 2009
For Immediate Release

RCCC Welding Program Receives Donations

             SALISBURY, N.C. — Two local companies have made donations to the Welding Technology Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

              Freightliner Trucks of Cleveland, N.C., has given the welding program approximately 7,000 pounds (3.5 tons) of aluminum. Duke Energy is donating approximately 1,000 pounds of welding rods to RCCC.

              "The Welding Technology Program at RCCC greatly appreciates these generous donations from Freightliner Trucks and Duke Energy," said Robert Simpson, head of the welding program. "These donations are certainly needed by the program and will have a direct benefit to our welding students.

              "These contributions from Freightliner and Duke Energy also come at a great time, as the college copes with reduced state funding. These companies are once again making a positive impact at our college and in our community," Simpson said.

              RCCC's Welding Technology program provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology and applications essential for successful employment in the welding and metal industry. Instruction includes consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Courses in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing provides the student with industry-standard skills developed through classroom training and practical application.

              Successful graduates are employed as entry-level technicians in welding and metalworking industries. Career opportunities also exist in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision and welding-related self-employment. For more information about RCCC's welding program, call 704-216-3921.

               RCCC is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties in North Carolina. RCCC is one of 58 colleges in the state-supported North Carolina Community College System.

                RCCC offers fully-accredited associate-degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, and engineering technologies. RCCC also offers accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education and basic skills education. RCCC provides a strong foundation and transferable credits for students moving on to four-year colleges and universities and helps adults get the additional training they need to start new careers.

               RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an overall enrollment of approximately 20,000 students. In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus being developed in Kannapolis. For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.