[Wytheville, VA] — [18 November 2024] — Wytheville Community College (WCC) is proud to announce the graduation of its latest cohort of welding students at Bland Correctional Center. 

This groundbreaking program, which aims to equip incarcerated individuals with valuable skills, marks a significant milestone in both their personal development and future career prospects. Graduates of the welding program have completed training that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, preparing them for high-demand jobs in the skilled trades sector upon their release. The welding graduates participated in a cap and gown ceremony that included comments from Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President; Mr. Devin Allison, WCC Welding Instructor; and Mr. Perry Hughes, WCC VP of Workforce Development and Occupational Programs; and Warden White, Bland Correctional Center. Mr. Hughes presented each student with their certificate.

“We are committed to empowering our students with skills that open doors to meaningful careers,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President. “By providing access to education and job-ready skills, we are not only improving individual lives but also building a skilled workforce. We are excited to watch these graduates thrive as they embark on their next chapter.”

This is the second cohort of welding students to graduate from the program. A total of twelve graduates have completed the program. One of these graduates was eligible for an early release from Bland Correctional Center, and Mr. Devin Allison, WCC Welding Instructor, worked with this graduate to receive his certifications before the early release date. WCC and Bland Correctional Center collaborated with other agencies to assist with post release needs to include communicating with second chance employers, providing funding for continuing education, and purchasing needed items for students to use when in the workforce. 

One of the graduates said, “We were treated like college students, not just inmates.” Another graduate thanked the WCC representatives for the opportunity, and said, “this is an opportunity that I didn’t have before. I can now further my education and have career opportunities.” 

Ms. Ashby Taylor-Perkins is WCC’s Coordinator of Higher Education in Prison Programs. “I am incredibly proud of our recent graduates, who have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout their training, and I have no doubt they will excel in their careers. As they continue their journey in the welding field, I wish them all the best of luck and success,” said Perkins. “We plan to continue the welding program at the prison and are currently working to add an additional course in Precision Measuring at the facility,” Perkins continued.

 For more information about WCC’s Prison Programs, contact Ms. Taylor-Perkins at (276) 223-4796, or ataylorperkins@wcc.vccs.edu.

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Pictured: Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, addresses the welding graduates.