“Being able to teach at NOVA, in this atmosphere, is a blessing and a dream come true.”
With over 40 years of experience, Santiago Rivera, head of NOVA’s welding department, has been perfecting his craft since he was 15. He joined NOVA as an adjunct professor in 2021. Now a full-time faculty member, he currently leads five classes.
NOVA’s welding program prioritizes hands-on learning, with roughly 85% of class time spent “under the hood” practicing welding techniques. Students also participate in 45 minutes to an hour of lecture and discussion, depending on the number of questions—a balance Santiago considers crucial for mastering the skills involved.
In addition to Santiago, NOVA’s welding department includes a full-time instructor and a newly hired part-time instructor who will teach an introductory pipe welding course on Saturdays starting this spring. Santiago’s goal is to elevate the program, making it a premier resource for both students and the community. “We are a community college. If we help students, we’re helping the community,” he says.
He believes successful students are those who maximize lab time, stay attentive, avoid excuses, and approach challenges with confidence and drive.
One of his early students, Caroline, was recently accepted into the prestigious Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprenticeship Program. Selected as one of only 43 candidates, she will begin her studies in March. Originally planning to become a dentist, Caroline discovered her passion for welding after taking a summer class.
Another standout, Annabelle Betz, has also caught his attention. “She’s one of my best students. She’s going to do a lot in this industry. She’s going to do great things,” he says.
Santiago’s impact reaches beyond the classroom. Last month, he represented NOVA at the 2024 NSF ATE Principal Investigator’s Conference in Washington, D.C., as the Principal Investigator of the BUILD: Futures in Welding and Fabrication grant, with Fab Lab Coordinator Mary Ratcliff serving as Co-PI.
“The grant will help take the welding program to the next level,” he explains. Planned improvements include advanced courses, enhanced math and materials instruction, field trips, additional instructors, a fabrication model, and an internship program. Next summer, the welding lab is slated for a complete renovation, with the building behind it transforming into a second welding lab to accommodate growing demand.