Kingsport Reporter

The words “summer school” elicit a variety of responses.

A cohort of 11 dual enrollment students from Dobyns-Bennett High School (DBHS) devoted a portion of their summer days class working to complete a college technical certificate by year’s end.

Northeast State’s Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) in Kingsport hosted a last-day-of-class recognition for these students pursuing the combination welding technical certificate at Northeast State.

“They are getting ahead of their peers in their careers,” said Jordan Harris, instructor of Welding at RCAM, of his class. “These students are being able to go out and use the technology now.”

The class is prepared to complete the technical certificate course requirements this fall and graduate from Northeast State in the spring. The students are: David Arellano; Jackson Barnette; Samuel Blalock; Thomas Cierniak; Brent Flores; Dylan Frye; Carter Hyatt; Jason Keener; Eric McReynolds; Jarett Mosley; and Matthew Munsey.

“We are very fortunate to partner with Dobyns-Bennett High School to provide this dual enrollment opportunity to their students,” said Shelby McKenzie, director of High School Programs at Northeast State. “We look forward to cheering on these students at our graduation celebration later this year!”

This class of students concluded their summer classes on July 29.  They returned to high school classes when the new Kingsport city school year started on August 1.  They will graduate with their high school diplomas from Dobyns-Bennett next spring. A schedule requiring a high level of discipline and determination from any participant.

“Teenagers never cease to amaze me,” said Bo Shadden, director of Career and Technical Education and Postsecondary Opportunities at DBHS. “Today reminds us of how amazing they can be.”

The 27-hour combination welding certificate introduces students to blueprint reading, Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), and oxy-fuel cutting among other welding techniques. Welding students immerse themselves in safety protocols, mathematics, and the practical applications of the welding laboratory. Math meets metal in the welding laboratories where instructors track the progress of students.

” I am so encouraged witnessing this group of young people,” said Blake Montgomery, executive director of Economic and Workforce Development at RCAM. “They displayed dedication and commitment by completing the welding program this summer. Without a doubt, the future is bright for our area when we see young adults show such determination to acquire skills that enable them to eventually enter the workforce or continue to complete their degree after graduating high school.”

Harris teaches a variety of welding specialties to students. Students achieve specific welding certifications needed by companies in welding and metal fabrication.  These multiple certifications broaden the career opportunities for students and provide multitalented welders to companies.

Beyond the concentrated fire and metal, Harris and other instructors develop the students’ soft skills. The fall class includes resume writing and tailoring for specific welding jobs.  Harris wants students to understand how to target professional opportunities by communicating the skill sets to potential employers.

“Welding across the board is growing exponentially,” noted Harris. “This fall we are going to be working on resume building and matching skills with industry needs.”

Northeast State’s High School Programs directs dual enrollment opportunities in both university parallel and career and technical education avenues for high school students across the region. The Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment branch enrolls students in certificate or degree paths which are focused on immediate career options.  Dual enrollment students earn credit hours to fulfilling a technical certificate or associate degree often before receiving their high school diplomas.

“It is a great opportunity they are giving us,” said Dylan Frye. “It is a challenging program, but if you pay attention and listen to your instructors you can succeed.”

Frye encouraged any student considering dual enrollment to commit to attending class and focus on learning.  He plans to join the military and pursue the discipline of underwater welding.

Samuel Blalock said he grew up around the welding profession and understood the basics. He heard about the dual enrollment program and opted in to get a jump on his long-term career plans. He plans to pursue mechanical engineering and business at a four-year university.

“The dual enrollment also helped me get to learn what college will be like,” said Blalock. “I’d like to open my own business in the future.”

David Arellano heard about the program from Frye and opted to join. He is considering entering the military and pursuing welding done on underwater pipelines and structures. His advice to any student is direct: Dedicate yourself to class and don’t take the dual enrollment opportunity for granted.

“You work smart and get it right the first time,” said Arellano. “You are also responsible for the materials you use because everything now is expensive.”

Shadden believes the dual enrollment option marks a bold move forward into a new world of education and career development. The next big leap happens by extending that option to students across the academic spectrum.

“We have a population of students who are ready to take this next step,” said Shadden.  “The challenge is how we duplicate this with other areas of education.”

Original source can be found here