The Volt Center is New Bern’s unprecedented workforce development training facility. Made possible by a collaboration between Craven Community College and supporting partners, the Volt Center offers training courses in various skilled trades in an effort to produce proficient workers and boost the local economy.
The following programs are currently offered at the Volt Center:
- Carpentry
- Commercial Cleaning
- Diesel Engines and Diesel Systems Technology
- Electrical
- Environmental Safety
- Forklift
- Homebrewing
- HVAC
- Manufacturing Career Pathway
- Plumbing
- Small Engine Repair
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Training
- Welding
- Mold Remediation
- Contractor & Entrepreneur Classes
Scholarship opportunities are available.
Carpentry
This curriculum teaches students about the ins and outs of carpentry, building materials, hand and power tools, construction drawings and layouts, floor systems and wall systems, stair layout, and cabinetmaking.
Commercial Cleaning
Students learn about how to clean a variety of floor surfaces, proper maintenance of and use of floor machines, and other powered equipment. The course also covers how to conduct preventive maintenance and routine carpet cleaning and how to care for upholstered furniture.
Electrical
This program teaches students the intricacies of electrical wiring operations and introduction to National Electric Code, as well as how to install electrical systems in structures and various mechanisms. The program consists of Electrical Levels 1-4.
Forklift Operation
The Forklift program provides training on forklift operations and controls, safety, vehicle stability and capacity, composition of loads, and an operator practical evaluation.
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Students learn about the operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning systems. The program consists of HVAC Levels 1-4.
Manufacturing Career Pathway
The Manufacturing Career Pathway program provides students with the skills and knowledge that are in high demand at local manufacturing companies. Training includes OSHA, Lean Six Sigma, Forklift Operation, Welding, as Robotics, as well as Microsoft Word, resume writing, and a live interview with a local hiring manufacturer.
Plumbing
Plumbing classes at the Volt Center teach students residential and commercial plumbing operations, introduces the Building Plumbing Code, and how to install wastewater vents, water and sewage systems, plumbing fixtures, and more. The program consists of Plumbing Levels 1-4.
Small Engine Repair
Participants in this curriculum learn how to assess and perform routine maintenance on small engine/power equipment from lubricating parts and replacing spark plugs to testing and inspecting for engine malfunctions. The class will include general combustion theory and principles.
Welding
Welding classes at the Volt Center teach students the principles and practices of welding. Training includes general safety, common hazards, oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, air-carbon arc cutting, base metal preparation, joint design, quality workmanship, codes, SMAW, and electrodes.
Mold Remediation
This program teaches students the proper methods for inspection of and remediation of mold contamination. Participants will learn about common mold species and their health effects, how to conduct a mold inspection, equipment usage, moisture concerns, mold sampling techniques, mold data interpretation, and containment techniques.
Small Business Startup
For individuals with an interest in becoming a licensed contractor, the college will provide training on how to start your own business, as well as a contractor license preparatory class, and for qualifying students, will cover a portion of the cost for the contractor’s license exam.
Register for a Small Business Startup (Contractor and Entrepreneur) Class
Scholarship Opportunities
Many classes at the Volt Center are available to students at no cost. Please contact the office of Workforce Development for details. Organizations supporting Volt Center and trades scholarships include:
This Hurricane Florence recovery project was funded in part by a grant from the American Red Cross.
Get NCCER Certified
Four programs at the Volt Center are accredited by the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER): HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Carpentry. Founded in 1996, the NCCER is a nationally recognized education foundation developed to revolutionize training for the construction industry. This accreditation process assures that students and craft professionals receive quality training based on uniform standards and criteria.
A Powerful Transformation
New Bern Electric Plant. Circa 1947
Built in 1947, the 7,500-square-foot facility was originally used as an electric plant and before undergoing its latest transformation. Renovation at the 4.6-acre site includes parking upgrades, as well building updates such as four expandable classrooms, a large conference room, office space, and a lab area with an open floor concept that provides an ideal training space. Beginning in 2015 through a collaboration between Craven Community College, City of New Bern, Golden Leaf Foundation, U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Craven County, the Volt Center is a testament to the region’s dedication to creating an economically thriving future.
Contact Information
Volt Center
205 First Street
New Bern, NC 28562
252-638-7248
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