Sales tax investment boosts welding training
Feb 23, 2026The quarter-cent sales tax referendum approved by Rockingham County voters in 2018 is having a measurable impact on the level of technical education and workforce training Rockingham Community College provides.
Proceeds from the tax recently funded two new virtual reality welding simulators, an investment of nearly $203,000. These high-tech training units are used daily by RCC Welding program students and showcased at career fairs and community events to give prospective students a true hands-on experience with modern welding technology.
“The VRTEX 360+ virtual welder is transforming the training of our students. This technology gives them hands-on experience with the same advanced automation used in modern fabrication shops, preparing them for high-demand, high-skill careers right here in our region,” said David Dillard, dean of Applied and Industrial Technologies at RCC.
Krystian Hale, a high school student earning his Welding certification at RCC, plans to transfer to UNC-Charlotte for a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. He currently studies STIG, MIG, and TIG welding as part of RCC’s comprehensive career and technical education pathway.
Using the simulator for MIG welding, Hale said the advanced VR technology helps students master the correct angle and distance of their welds.
“It’s your tip-to-contact distance—how close you have to be to the actual plate to make good contact—and your speed,” he explained. “Using those, you can figure out your method of welding so your beads look a lot better and don’t have porosity or look too thin or too thick.”
He added that the simulator’s repeatability is a major benefit—one that supports both beginner and advanced students.
“It helps a lot in the shop because it’s infinite—you can keep running it over and over without wasting a bunch of metal,” Hale said. “The headset gives you a more realistic sense of what you’re doing, instead of just looking at a plate and not seeing anything happen.”
Johnny Guzman, both a student and a teacher’s assistant in the Welding program, agrees that the new virtual reality equipment enhances RCC’s welding training in meaningful ways.
“I picked RCC because I like how dedicated the teachers are—it really caught my attention,” he said. “I’ve stayed because this is where I can get real-world experience and build my skills.”
Guzman said the VR welding simulators strengthen students’ technique in ways that are difficult to see in the physical lab environment.
“They focus on your work angle, your travel speed—little things we may not notice while we’re in the lab,” he said. “And sometimes the lab can be stressful, so we use the virtual welders to examine the details that help us improve.”
After college, Guzman hopes to become a travel welder, taking on specialized jobs across the country. He’s especially interested in boiler making and pipeline welding—fields where highly trained welders are in strong demand.
These virtual simulators are not the first improvement for RCC’s Welding program supported by the quarter-cent sales tax. Approximately $1.14 million from the tax helped fund a $5.58 million complete renovation of the Industrial Technologies II building, which now houses two new Welding labs. Additional support came from ConnectNC Bond funds, State Capital Infrastructure funds, and a Golden LEAF Foundation grant.
The renovation significantly expanded program capacity from 17 to 40 welding stations—allowing RCC to train more future welders and helping meet regional workforce needs. The improved facility even attracted a SkillsUSA competition last year, bringing more visibility to RCC’s growing advanced manufacturing programs.
Guzman, who took classes in the old lab, said he appreciates the improved lighting, better air quality, enhanced fume extraction systems, and updated equipment in the new space. He encourages anyone considering a skilled trade to take a closer look at RCC’s Welding program.
“For anybody thinking about welding, I say do it,” he said. “There are plenty of great trades, but welding is fun—you play with fire. If you learn to do it right and keep growing your skill, it pays very well. And we are very grateful for the quarter-cent sales tax.”
~Story and photo by Gerri Hunt, RCC’s director of Public Information
