Maritime Development Center
Rendell Henderson
CEO / Founder
MaritimeDevelopmentCenter@gmail.com
Phone: (757)971-5000
About MDC
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Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality welding education that empowers individuals with the skills, knowledge, and safety awareness needed for success through welding-focused STEM education. MDC is equipping students with the technical skills, critical thinking, and professional certifications needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
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Our program design integrates the welding trade with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Using classroom instruction and on-the-job training, MDC enables students to gain real-world experience under the guidance of experienced educators, skilled tradespeople, and industry leaders. The development center will serve students, career-changers, veterans, and industry partners through structured programs, certifications, and workforce development initiatives.
Courses
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Evening and summer cohorts introducing welding fundamentals.
Curriculum tied to physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts.
Hands-on projects: sculpture, structural design, robotics integration.
Competition preparation (SkillsUSA, Science Olympiad).
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Comprehensive welding training programs designed to prep students for industry-recognized certifications (AWS).
Various welding processes: SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, FCAW.
Combine classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience emphasizing safety, technical skills, and practical application.
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Dual-enrollment courses with local high schools and Community Colleges.
Stackable credentials leading to AWS Certified Welder status.
Work-based learning and apprenticeship pipelines.
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Accelerated certification programs (4–16 weeks).
Day, evening, and weekend cohorts for working adults.
Targeted outreach to veterans, displaced workers, and underrepresented communities, individuals seeking immediate employment.
Intensive program designed for skill acquisition and job placement.
Fostering Diversity and Creating Opportunity
Rendell Henderson
Rendell has proven to be an integral part of every team he has been a member of due to his dependability, knowledge, professionalism and work ethic. He sets the bar high and works as hard as possible to reach his goals. Rendell’s rare combinations of talent, knowledge, leadership, compassion, work ethic, and professionalism make him an extremely valuable asset to the entire community.