myCanvas / myCourses 
Featured photo: Blue Ridge Community College student Daniel Rivera in the welding lab on the Henderson County Campus. (Photo by Emily Gill)
By Emily Gill, Marketing & Communications Dept.
This December, Daniel Rivera will complete a long-term goal: graduating with his Associate Degree in Applied Science of Welding Technology from Blue Ridge Community College.
“I’ve always had an interest in welding,” Rivera said. “I saw someone welding at my job at the fish hatchery. It reminded me of my interest in welding, and I decided to go back to school.”
He started with one class in the summer of 2022. He enjoyed his experience and quickly decided to take more classes. He earned his certificate and is now finishing the two-year program.
“Welding fits my personality. It’s kind of one-on-one. You can tune in,” Rivera said. “I love to be by myself working on something.”
His welding skills have already proved useful at the hatchery, where he has assisted with simple fabrication projects.
Rivera said his time in the program has flown by. Part of this is due to Blue Ridge’s stackable credentials model, which allows students to build skills and become employable even more quickly. He also credits the teachers for their flexibility, knowledge and skill.
Following graduation, Rivera hopes to find a job that allows him to weld full-time.
Learn more about welding programs at Blue Ridge Community College at www.blueridge.edu/welding.