June 17, 2022

Senior: Princess Beckwith

School: Vernon Malone College and Career Academy

Career: Welder with Carolina Commercial Systems

Students at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy complete studies in one of six career-focused programs, ranging from biopharmaceutical technology, to cosmetology, to welding.

Princess Beckwith knew she wanted to attend Vernon Malone to pursue this kind of hands-on, project-based learning, but she wasn’t sure which option to choose. “As someone with no real knowledge, I thought that welding was a form of glass blowing or metal casting,” she says. “I always thought that seemed cool, and I wanted to learn how to do it as well. Well, I soon realized that welding was a lot different!”

Whatever her preconceptions were about welding, she soon came to love the craft - and excel in it.

After two years of instruction from Russell Wahrman, who teaches welding at Vernon Malone and Wake Tech Community College, she competed last year in the SkillsUSA competition and finished in first place both for the region and for the entire state. She also spent last summer as an apprentice for Carolina Commercial Systems, working on a retrofit construction project at N.C. State’s Centennial Campus and a major addition at Redeemer Church in Raleigh. 

Now that she has graduated from Vernon Malone, she is working full-time with CCS. “Princess has the work ethic and attitude that it takes to thrive in any type of business or trade,” says Jason Evans of CCS. “We here at CCS are ecstatic that she has chosen to work with us, and we are even more ecstatic that she has chosen trade work. There are many paths that a person can take in life, and no matter what path Princess chooses, she is going to excel. We are happy that her journey will start here at CCS.”

‘Never gives up’

Wahrman recalls that Princess was shy, quiet, and perhaps a bit overwhelmed with all that she needed to learn when she began welding instruction her junior year. But she rolled up her sleeves and soon proved she had a talent and a passion for this work. “Princess is someone who believes in perfecting her welding skills and never gives up,” he says. “She is one of the first students to arrive, and one of the last ones to leave.”

Princess says she was inspired by her teacher and came to love welding. “I like how it is primarily independent work that I can evaluate and build on,” she says. “I like how every weld is unique. My instructor, Mr.Wahrman, also plays a huge part in my interest. When I see him welding personal projects, I see all of the experience he has, and it makes me want to someday be as experienced in welding as him.”

‘Always smiling’

Evans of CCS says Princess is part of an emerging trend of women working industrial jobs. “Women in welding is not something my industry has seen a lot of historically," he says. “However, we are seeing women become active trade workers in our business and with our business partners at a very awesome rate.”

Wahrman says Princess’s work ethic and positive attitude will help her go far. “Princess is always smiling, always in a great mood, and easy to talk with. She’ll make a great welder, and I can see her in a leadership position in five years or so.”

Evans praised Princess as “a fast learner, punctual, dedicated, and not afraid to take on new tasks.”

Princess said her work over the summer was rewarding, and she felt supported by her co-workers and supervisors. She’s grateful for all the people and opportunities that have her poised for success. “I would like to thank Mr. Wahrman for everything that he has taught me over the past two years. I would like to thank my teachers at Vernon Malone for the past four years. And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my mom for everything that she has done to get me to this point in my life, and my siblings for also sticking it out with me and supporting me as well!”