Igniting Potential. Forging Futures.

Sparks are flying at Carteret CC!

How Carteret CC’s Welding Chair, Joshua Benton, is Inspiring Confidence, Craftsmanship, and Community in the Next Generation of Welders

For Joshua Benton, the glow of molten metal isn’t just a sign of work in progress; it’s a symbol of transformation. As the Full-Time Chairperson of Carteret Community College’s Welding Technology Program, Benton takes pride in helping students find both skill and confidence in a craft that quite literally builds the world around us.

“The most rewarding part of my job is watching students progress through the program,” he said. “Seeing them gain the confidence and skill to move into the workforce prepared, that’s what it’s all about.”

That passion for student success shines through in every spark that flies across the welding lab. Benton is especially proud of spearheading the college’s first-ever “Meltin’ Metal” event, a hands-on showcase that gave students the chance to display their talents and connect with the community. “The event has opened doors for our students and created exciting new opportunities for our program and the college as a whole,” he shared.

What might surprise people most about Benton’s work is the incredible diversity of the students who enter the welding program. “There’s no such thing as an average welding student,” he said. “Every semester, we see people from all walks of life—young, old, men, women—all discovering how rewarding this field can be. It’s inspiring to watch them realize they belong here.”

That inclusiveness is reflected in the flexibility and accessibility of Carteret CC’s Welding Technology Program. The college offers day, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules, allowing students to pursue their education while balancing work and family life. In addition, Carteret CC proudly offers a welding class taught entirely in Spanish, opening doors for more students to develop technical skills and enter the workforce with confidence.

When Benton steps away from the sparks and steel, he finds his peace outdoors. “I thoroughly enjoy being outside, hunting, fishing, sailing, anything that gets me outdoors,” he said with a grin. Before his teaching career began, Benton worked as a bagger at the commissary on Camp Lejeune, a humble first job that taught him patience, gratitude, and the value of hard work.

When he has the time, he enjoys listening to StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, a blend of science, humor, and curiosity that reflects his own approach to teaching.

Through his leadership, Benton isn’t just training welders; he’s shaping thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Under his guidance, Carteret CC’s Welding Technology program has become a place where students don’t just learn a trade, they discover their potential.

For Joshua Benton, welding is more than a profession. It’s a way to ignite purpose, spark curiosity, and light the path forward for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

For more information about our Welding program visit carteret.edu or contact Joshua Benton at [email protected]