Central Piedmont received a $1 million Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to grow our skilled trades certifications, expand our reach in Mecklenburg County, and undertake renovations on the Harper Campus.
We are proud to showcase our students, alumni, and faculty in the skilled trades program and how Central Piedmont has impacted their lives. Support from the Lowe’s Foundation ensures that we will see many more student success stories.
Muriel Maglorie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Graduating in 2020 alongside her son, Aumani, she embarked on an exciting career in nondestructive testing (NDT) at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. From virtual graduations to cross-country moves, Muriel’s story is filled with firsts and remarkable milestones.
Starting as a Level I NDT Inspector, Muriel quickly advanced, gaining certifications and working on prestigious projects like the USS Nimitz, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and the USS Carl Vinson. Her dedication to “First Time Quality” and her contributions to the maintenance and modernization of the Navy’s fleet are commendable.
In 2021 and 2023, Muriel was selected to travel to Yokosuka, Japan, for work on the USS Ronald Reagan, enhancing her skills and expertise. Muriel recently returned to North Carolina, entering the private sector inspecting pumps and pump elements for nuclear facilities. She remains deeply connected to the NDE community, mentoring others through the Ruth G. Shaw Leadership program at Central Piedmont and advocating for the benefits of the Skilled Trade program.
Jahmicah Miller is on a path to become the youngest licensed female electrician in the state of North Carolina.
How did Jahmicah accomplish so much within her area of interest in so little time? She took classes through the Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC) program which boasts a Career & College Promise pathway in construction technologies at Central Piedmont. As a result, she was able to simultaneously graduate from Philip O. Berry High School and complete the ROC program in May 2021 with 49 free college credits and valuable hands-on experience.
“The knowledge I gained through the ROC program gave me the confidence I needed to serve as an apprentice for a Charlotte area electrical contractor after high school graduation,” she explained. “After completing the company’s apprenticeship program in fall 2021, I earned two professional certificates in electrical technology. I decided to return to Central Piedmont - after receiving the Culbertson Endowed Scholarship - to complete my education and obtain my associate degree in electrical system technology. It was a logical next step; the college’s student support system, resources, and instructors are simply extraordinary.”
After graduating in spring 2023, Jahmicah continued working as an Electrical Mechanic, but returned to Central Piedmont as an Instructor at the ROC in spring 2024. “Central Piedmont has been a constant in my life. This college has made my goals its goals. I’m honored to be a part of this community."
However, Jahmicah’s journey took an unexpected turn when she put her BEEC exam on hold to prioritize her mother’s health. This decision allowed her to continue building her trade skills while volunteering on local disaster relief and religious projects across North Carolina, dedicating about 30 hours each month to electrical estimating and installation. “The turn of events following my mother’s health has changed a lot in my life, but many things have remained constant,” she said. “I can confidently say that Central Piedmont has never questioned my ambition but has always asked how they can support me.”
Jahmicah’s exam is on the docket for 2025, and she is determined to achieve her goal of becoming the youngest licensed female electrician in North Carolina.
Carla Strickland is on an inspiring journey at Central Piedmont Community College, where she is set to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology – Fabrication & Manufacturing Track (AAS) in May 2025. Supported by the Crowder Construction Scholarship and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship, Carla’s path is a testament to her youthful ambition and curiosity.
Originally aspiring to be an accountant, Carla discovered her true passion for welding through a dual enrollment program at Mallard Creek High School. Her interest was sparked by online videos showcasing the artistry and precision of welding, leading her to take her first course in January. Since then, Carla has embraced the field, finding it to be a perfect blend of engineering, technology, and creativity.
One of Carla’s most memorable projects was creating a sculpture of a swinging man in her Fabrication class. This project involved designing blueprints, selecting weld types, and executing the overall process, highlighting the vast possibilities within the welding industry. Whether it’s inspection, machining, robotics, or fabrication, Carla sees welding as a field where science, art, and engineering converge.
Carla’s dedication is evident in her commitment to gaining experience and helping others in the welding community. She aims to obtain her Certified Welding Inspector certification within two years of graduating and hopes to volunteer more, supporting fellow welders on their journeys. Her long-term goal is to start her own welding firm to offer specialized services and coach young aspiring welders.
With a bright future ahead, Carla is open to all opportunities that come her way. Her story is a powerful example of how following one’s passion can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career.
If you were a fan of bad wordplay, you might say Brian Lucas is ‘welded’ to Central Piedmont Community College. He graduated as an Associate from Central Piedmont’s welding technology program in 2006, became an instructor, then program chair for welding, and is now Associate Dean of Skilled Trades at the college.
“I am in every sense of the word a product of Central Piedmont,” he said. “Central Piedmont is my family, first and foremost. This has been the best job I have ever had.”
His passion for improving the lives of his students is evident to anyone who has worked with him. When asked about some of his most memorable students, he shares the story of a first-generation immigrant who became a citizen while in his program and is now lead salesman for a major multinational company. Central Piedmont’s program impacted his life so much that the graduate later returned to teach.
“While I’m proud of that student, I’m reminded of another student who came to me lost, with no direction, and frankly lazy,” Brian said. “As we were reaching midterm he was in danger of failing.
“I sat down with him and got him to open up to me about his struggles. We came up with a plan. He has since graduated and is now working in industry. I love to see the success we can provide to our students.”
Brian believes anyone in search of their next career step can find it here: “This is the place to be. Central Piedmont will set you on a pathway to success using practical applications. There is no fluff here. Everything we do is designed to maximize knowledge and your skills in your area of study.”