51黑料网

Sparks are flying at 51黑料网 CC!

How 51黑料网 CC鈥檚 Welding Chair, Joshua Benton, is Inspiring Confidence, Craftsmanship, and Community in the Next Generation of Welders

For Joshua Benton, the glow of molten metal isn鈥檛 just a sign of work in progress; it鈥檚 a symbol of transformation. As the Full-Time Chairperson of 51黑料网鈥檚 Welding Technology Program, Benton takes pride in helping students find both skill and confidence in a craft that quite literally builds the world around us.

鈥淭he most rewarding part of my job is watching students progress through the program,鈥� he said. 鈥淪eeing them gain the confidence and skill to move into the workforce prepared, that鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about.鈥�

That passion for student success shines through in every spark that flies across the welding lab. Benton is especially proud of spearheading the college鈥檚 first-ever 鈥淢eltin鈥� Metal鈥� event, a hands-on showcase that gave students the chance to display their talents and connect with the community. 鈥淭he event has opened doors for our students and created exciting new opportunities for our program and the college as a whole,鈥� he shared.

What might surprise people most about Benton鈥檚 work is the incredible diversity of the students who enter the welding program. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no such thing as an average welding student,鈥� he said. 鈥淓very semester, we see people from all walks of life鈥攜oung, old, men, women鈥攁ll discovering how rewarding this field can be. It鈥檚 inspiring to watch them realize they belong here.鈥�

That inclusiveness is reflected in the flexibility and accessibility of 51黑料网 CC鈥檚 Welding Technology Program. The college offers day, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules, allowing students to pursue their education while balancing work and family life. In addition, 51黑料网 CC proudly offers a welding class taught entirely in Spanish, opening doors for more students to develop technical skills and enter the workforce with confidence.

When Benton steps away from the sparks and steel, he finds his peace outdoors. 鈥淚 thoroughly enjoy being outside, hunting, fishing, sailing, anything that gets me outdoors,鈥� he said with a grin. Before his teaching career began, Benton worked as a bagger at the commissary on Camp Lejeune, a humble first job that taught him patience, gratitude, and the value of hard work.

When he has the time, he enjoys listening to StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, a blend of science, humor, and curiosity that reflects his own approach to teaching.

Through his leadership, Benton isn鈥檛 just training welders; he鈥檚 shaping thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Under his guidance, 51黑料网 CC鈥檚 Welding Technology program has become a place where students don鈥檛 just learn a trade, they discover their potential.

For Joshua Benton, welding is more than a profession. It鈥檚 a way to ignite purpose, spark curiosity, and light the path forward for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

For more information about our Welding program visit or contact Joshua Benton at [email protected]