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AHOSKIE – Sisters April and Debbie Moore are eager to don their welding helmets and get to work. Both graduated from the Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) Weld to Work Program on Aug. 16 and were recognized, along with other graduates, during a ceremony on campus.

When asked what inspired them to participate in the program, April said, “I recognized there were not many women in the field of welding. I believe that women can be welders, too.”

Debbie added that she wants to begin working as soon as possible and the R-CCC program allows her the opportunity to do that.

“My aunt and my cousin inspired me to participate in this program,” said Debbie. “My aunt worked at the Newport News Shipyard for over 20 years. She showed me that women can work in any field.”

The siblings are looking forward to enhancing their skills and getting more practice in the welding field. They advised prospective students, especially women, who may be interested in becoming a welder to go for it.

“When you believe you can do something, show everyone that you can,” said April.

Debbie added, “You can do it. Nothing is stopping you.”

Along with the Moore sisters, there were 13 other graduates of the program: Akeem Artis, Rakim Banks, Omar Burden, Damien Burney, Suquain Gilliam Jr., Lawrence Harrell Jr., Cody Holloman, Sterling Keith, James McClendon Jr., Irvin Mendoza Martinez, Ferlin Ophelia III, Kanye Pope and Johnny Zachary.

Welders are in demand. Average hourly wages for skilled welders range from entry level $17-26/hour up to $35 an hour for top-earning pipeline welders, which means they can earn a total of more than $72,000 per year, at 40 hours per week, in North Carolina and Virginia.

More Weld to Work sessions are scheduled at Roanoke-Chowan Community College. For information about R-CCC programs, visit roanokechowan.edu or call 252-862-1200.