From shipyard tours and state competition victories to expanded credential pathways and curriculum growth, Year 2 of NOVA’s BUILD: Futures in Welding and Fabrication initiative continued connecting students with meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. Through industry partnerships, hands-on learning, and workforce engagement, BUILD is strengthening pathways into high-demand welding careers.

Why it matters: As demand for highly skilled welders continues to grow, Year 2 focused on expanding industry experiences, strengthening certification opportunities, and creating sustainable pathways from education to employment. Through student achievement and strategic partnerships, BUILD continues building a stronger regional workforce pipeline.

Curriculum & Credential Development: Expanding Opportunity

Year 2 also brought significant progress in expanding educational opportunities and strengthening workforce credentials.

Key details:

• The Advanced Welding curriculum was approved by the NOVA Curriculum Board, supporting expanded educational opportunities beginning in Fall 2026.
• The Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) continues to support NOVA’s initiative to become an AWS certification testing facility, allowing students to earn industry-recognized certifications directly through NOVA while strengthening connections between education and workforce needs.
• In Fall 2025, 11 out of 11 students enrolled in WEL 121 earned their AWS D1.1 industry certification, demonstrating strong student achievement and workforce readiness.

NOVA SkillsUSA: Student Success at the State Level

SkillsUSA continues to provide students opportunities to demonstrate technical excellence while developing leadership and career readiness skills.

Key details:

• NOVA again sent six students to compete at the SkillsUSA Virginia State Championships in Welding Fabrication, Welding Sculpture, and Individual Welding.
• NOVA students earned gold medals in two categories: Welding Sculpture and Individual Welding and will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (June 1–6).
• These achievements reflect continued growth in student skill development and hands-on learning experiences supported through BUILD.

Industry Engagement: Welding Careers in Action

This year, 22 NOVA students traveled to Philadelphia for an immersive shipyard experience, gaining firsthand exposure to large-scale welding and fabrication operations.

Key details:

• Students visited Hanwha Philly Shipyard, a major U.S. shipbuilder supporting commercial and government vessel construction and workforce development initiatives.
• Students also toured Rhoads Industries, an industrial fabrication and maritime services company supporting shipbuilding, manufacturing, and defense industries.
• The experience provided direct exposure to professional welding environments, workforce expectations, and career opportunities in maritime and industrial fabrication.

Reactions:

"I enjoyed getting a real-world look at what a job in the industry can look like, and getting to talk to a professional about their experience as a welder. 

I enjoyed being able to look at all the pieces of the ships both in the beginning stages and near the end. Each piece had notes and instructions of what the welder was supposed to use or do, and it was nice to be able to see how apprentices were progressing right in front of me. 

I was able to learn so much about shipyard and submarine welding that I knew nothing about. As well as being provided with resources to pursue a welding career."

High School Outreach: Building Future Pathways

BUILD continued strengthening early pathways into welding through outreach, recruitment, and hands-on engagement.

Key details:

• NOVA again hosted the SkillsUSA District 5 and District 10 welding competitions in collaboration with Arc3 Gases, welcoming high school students to showcase their skills and engage with faculty and industry professionals.
• NOVA also hosted 18 West Potomac High School students and instructors for a campus visit featuring a student panel and tour of welding facilities. The experience provided students with direct exposure to the program, equipment, and career opportunities in welding and fabrication.

What’s Next: Continuing the Momentum

Year 2 demonstrated continued growth through student achievement, industry partnerships, and expanded educational pathways. Looking ahead, BUILD will continue strengthening workforce connections, expanding certification opportunities, and creating experiences that prepare students for successful careers in welding and fabrication.

NOVA's Promotional Welding Video

BUILD is supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Number 2400888.