Renee Saloka, Richland Grad and Welder

Renee Found Her Niche in Welding

When Renee Saloka moved to Decatur a few years ago, she was not sure what she wanted to do for a career. She’d completed some college and had worked at a naval shipyard in Virginia as a welding inspector when a friend suggested she look into the welding program at Richland Community College. With only two weeks until school was to begin, Renee feared she wouldn’t be able to get the funding in time to begin classes.

Though welding isn’t typically a female-dominated career, Renee has proven that this is a job that anyone can do regardless of gender. The instructors have been very encouraging about her progress through the program. She praises the welcoming staff for helping her feel comfortable when starting the program.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is, as soon as you come into that door, you’re all welders. I absolutely encourage other women to get into the welding program. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t be a welder.”

“I’m hoping that, like when I was a welding inspector, I can weld on submarines and carriers. I want to be doing something important for my community or even my country.”

Shortly after completing her spotlight video, Renee secured a welding position at Caterpillar, even before she completed her degree.

Erzsebet Getz, Horticulture and Sustainability

Erzsebet Getz

Regan McKittrick, Engineering Student

Richland engineering student, Regan McKittrick, was able to take advantage of her internship opportunity, financial aid, and training offered by Richland to start her new career in engineering. Find out more about Regan’s story.