The Volt Center

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
Electrical
HVAC
Plumbing
Small Engine Repair
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.