Wells forges a future in welding with MCTC credentials

Published on May 19, 2025

By Rachel Adkins

Throughout April, May, and June, Maysville Community and Technical College will feature 12 students who graduated in May 2025 and have committed to high-demand careers. 

This is a Going Pro initiative, which strives to bring awareness to the possibilities unlocked as a traditional-age college student with little to no experience in the workforce. 

With many different programs offered at MCTC, prospective students can enter the workforce right after finishing their credentials. 

Morgan Wells, 20, is a student of the Rowan Campus welding program. Beginning her student life right after high school, Wells recently completed an associate in applied science with a welding focus. 

Even before graduating, Wells connected with Millwrights Local 1076 (a union) and is now part of an agreement in which the union offers her contracted work whenever she is in need. She referred to this as an “out-of-work” initiative. 

Wells chose MCTC to pursue her welding credentials due to several advantages, including low-cost tuition and the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience than a larger institution could offer. 

“I had everything paid for…plus, I can get two years' worth of reps (repetition of the tasks) versus six months' worth of practice,” she explained. “I can get as much practice in as I want.”

Reflecting on her time with MCTC, Wells focused on her experiences with her instructors and Trade Wars, a recruiting event where high school students compete in skilled trades. 

“They’re (the instructors) really encouraging. If it wasn’t for Tim and Tyler, I probably would’ve already dropped out,” she said. 

At the 2024 Trade Wars event, Wells assisted with a head-to-head competition between Dr. Laura McCullough, president and CEO of MCTC, and Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. 

“I was actually kind of glad they picked us to do it because we’re some of the very few girls in the shop who get to do things like that. It’s pretty much a male-dominant field,” Wells said.

Wells’ story is a testament to the opportunities available through MCTC for students, paving the way for a skilled and confident workforce ready to shape Kentucky’s future.