MOHAVE COUNTY – Chase Rice took his first welding class at River Valley High School and it sparked a passion he wanted to pursue. So, after graduation he enrolled in the MCC welding program to gain knowledge he will need for a career in underwater welding.
“MCC helped me by putting my life on a different trajectory,” Rice said. “Being at the College also helped me develop great relationships with my peers and instructors who have been part of my successful journey in the welding program.”
He recommends everyone who may have an interest in welding get experience in the College welding program, which was the first testing center in the state of Arizona certified by American Welding Society.
He said his instructors are “amazing” and have had a big impact on his success. Instructor Zach Drew has worked with Rice and is proud of how well he has performed in the program.
“He finished a certification program in one semester and passed a national certification test to become a certified welder,” said Drew. “He is always early to class, stays late and is willing to help others. I’m really proud of him, he’s a great student.”
Rice is a first-generation student, which means he’s the first in his family to attend a higher educational institution. He has lived in Bullhead for the majority of his life and graduated from River Valley High School in 2020.
To learn more about the MCC Welding Technology program, visit Mohave.edu/Welding. The college is currently enrolling students for the summer semester, which begins May 22. Tuition assistance is available.
The college Call Center can be reached at 866-MOHAVECC or 866-664-2832. Anyone who is interested in becoming an MCC student is encouraged to fill out the free online application at Apply.Mohave.edu, or visit a nearby campus for assistance.
Mohave Community College welding student, Chase Rice, decided to attend MCC to pursue a career in welding and now he’s thinking of starting his own business.