Funding to expand workforce training at WPCC, CCC&TI

Western Piedmont Community College and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute will expand workforce training through a regional initiative aimed at connecting more Western North Carolina residents with good-paying jobs.

The two colleges are among 11 community colleges sharing $3.2 million from the Good Jobs Program Fund. The initiative is expected to help train and place about 1,200 people across 23 counties into jobs, promising jobs, and work-based learning opportunities.

At Western Piedmont, the funding will strengthen mechatronics, machining, and welding pathways, including opportunities for apprenticeships and internships.

The college also is working with AUMOVIO, Leviton, and Case Farms on agreements that identify hiring needs and support curriculum development and work-based learning.

At Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, the funding will help expand nursing capacity through additional instructional and simulation support.

CCC&TI also has worked with Bernhardt, Fairfield Chair, McCreary Modern, and Lectra to launch its Furniture Factory Lab, which provides hands-on upholstery and industrial sewing training in a simulated factory environment.

“The education we provide must reflect the skills and expectations of today’s employers, and the best way to ensure that alignment is to design programs with employers at the table from the very beginning,” said Dr. Mark Poarch, president of CCC&TI.

The Good Jobs Western North Carolina initiative grew out of efforts by community colleges and local partners to strengthen the regional economy following Hurricane Helene.

Across the region, 48 employers are participating through curriculum development, hiring, paid work experiences, clinical training, and other contributions.

Current plans call for about 900 participants to move into jobs and another 300 to take part in internships, clinical rotations, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities during the first two years.

— AKC