By Joshua Flores, ROC Small Business Entrepreneurship

 BAKERSFIELD, CA -  Students at ROC are learning a variety of skills in welding that can be used later on in their welding career or even around their homes.

 With the ROC welding program, high school juniors and seniors are now able to learn welding techniques and practice these skills daily. Teaching students the basic skills of welding is what this class is all about. The cutting, grinding, and bonding of different types of metal is practiced every day in the shop. The welding program also introduces students how to read blueprints and how to plan welding projects for later in their career.

 The teacher of the program is Mr. Buzzell; he is now in his third year at ROC. As “a people person” he it is very easy for students to approach and talk to him. He served in the Navy and had various experience in other careers as well. As such, he’s a real good story teller who always has a valuable lesson for young students about to embark on a new career. Mr. Buzzell is a certified welder and his goal is to teach students everything they need to know about welding in order to get their first job.

 Jonathan Velazquez, a student from Foothill High, states that “ welding is a good backup or even main career for his future” and he has learned a lot of skills that will benefit him in the future and look good on his resume.

 For many students like Jonathan, the future looks bright thanks to Mr. Buzzell and the ROC Welding program.