By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College (Craven CC) will offer a new Manufacturing Career Pathway program beginning in June on the New Bern campus. The program is designed to train participants in the wide range of skills and knowledge required to succeed in the manufacturing industry.
It is more important than ever to have qualified, proficient employees with a competitive edge in today’s thriving manufacturing industry. According to data from a 2018 study published by the National Association of Manufacturers, North Carolina manufacturers account for approximately 19.3 percent of the state’s total output and employ about 10.6 percent of the workforce. In particular, the New Bern and Havelock communities and surrounding areas are experiencing sustained growth in the manufacturing industry, creating a wealth of employment opportunities. Companies are looking for applicants who are properly trained in specific skills to ensure continued success and profitability.
“Craven Community College developed the Manufacturing Career Pathway program to connect students to employment with one of these companies,” said Kim Zaccardelli, continuing education coordinator at Craven CC’s Havelock campus.
The course will provide participants with an interactive learning experience that will enhance their awareness of the expectations a manufacturer has for their employees. It will cover several training topics to teach students about working on an assembly line, workplace ethics, interpersonal skills, welding basics, robotics, safety regulations, precision measurement tools and techniques, forklift operations and an introduction to Microsoft Word. The program also includes résumé writing, developing interviewing skills and dressing for success.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have earned certificates for OSHA 10-hour Industry Safety, Lean Six Sigma White Belt, Forklift Operator and ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness.
“The Manufacturing Career Pathway training program is designed for students preparing to enter the manufacturing sector at an entry-level position,” said Eddie Foster, Craven CC’s executive director of environmental safety and corporate training. “The training topics were assembled from our local industry partners. Regardless of the industry, they are all looking for employees with entry-level skills that can provide them with a productive team member and at the same time provide the student with a pathway to a successful career in manufacturing.”
The course consists of 80 total classroom and lab hours and will meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the New Bern campus. It will be offered in three two-week sessions: June 18-29, Aug. 13-24 and Sept. 17-28.
“Our hope is that students gain a basic understanding of the working environment of a manufacturing industry, preparing them to quickly become a valuable member of a production team,” said Foster. “With this in mind, their career pathway to success has been greatly enhanced and our local industries will have a great pool of potential employees to pull from.”
After successfully completing the program, all graduates will have the opportunity to interview with a Craven County manufacturer.
“The ultimate outcome for this program is to provide students with a career option that will enhance the quality of their life, that provides local manufacturers with employees that seek to make a difference in the workplace that will lead to more growth in the industry and positive economic growth for our community,” added Zaccardelli.
For more information about the Manufacturing Career Pathway program, contact Foster at 252-638-3919 or fostere@cravencc.edu.