MANUFACTURING
Today, manufacturers across the country are facing a skills gap between the technical skills their employees need and the skills they find in applicants. To combat this complex challenge locally, Rowan-Cabarrus is working diligently with manufacturers to do its part in addressing the challenging gap that employers face when filling these high-tech, high-wage jobs.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has built a new training program designed to prepare applicants for jobs in the high-tech and growing field of manufacturing in partnership with local manufacturers like Perdue Foods, S&D Coffee and Agility Fuel Systems, as well as the Rowan and Cabarrus chambers of commerce and economic development leaders.
As part of the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute, Certified Production Technician trainees gain knowledge and skills in safety, quality assurance, manufacturing processes and maintenance awareness.
“This free program is for anyone who wants a quality job – it doesn’t matter what your background is. It matters what your future is,” said Craig Lamb, vice president of corporate and continuing education at Rowan-Cabarrus.
Following the eight-week, 160 hour training program, the vast majority of program graduates – nearly 90 percent! – secure local employment prior to graduation or shortly thereafter. Depending on the company and position, starting wages vary between $12-18 per hour, with raises during the first 12 months.
“This program was helpful, insightful and the instructor gave me real world experience and information to prepare me for this new career field.”
– Monique Sharpless, 2015 North Carolina Manufacturing Institute graduate
In addition to innovations like the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute, the College has made raising funds in the advanced manufacturing and technology field an important goal of the College’s Foundation. For instance, the latest grant from Duke Energy, a $50,000 investment as part of Duke Energy’s 2016 workforce development grants, will help the College to further that mission. This donation puts the company’s total investment in the College at over $1 million.
“We are grateful to Duke Energy for their support of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College,” said President Spalding. “Their continued support and significant contributions to the College over the last few years have been vital.”
Workforce and economic development is one of Duke Energy’s philanthropic investment priorities.
“Developing the region’s workforce benefits us all,” said Randy Welch, district manager, Duke Energy Carolinas. “Our investments come full circle when many of the students go on to work for area industries, and those industries then gain skilled workers trained to meet the community needs.”
The funds will enable equipment enhancements for engineering technologies programs. These enhancements include two MechLab Systems and four AB CompactLogix Programmable Logic Controllers, as well as associated supplies and software.
Experience with this equipment will give students insight into one of the most significant fields of application for automation technology – production technology.