Piedmont Community College (PCC) was recently awarded $199,891 by the Golden LEAF Foundation for its Advanced Manufacturing Enhancement (AME) Grant. PCC’s project addresses this funding priority by preparing students for identified employment opportunities in advanced manufacturing and closing a local skills gap through collaboration with local industry.
The program will benefit workers and students in Caswell, Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties, former tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, rural communities, by providing pathways to employment in advanced manufacturing.
The comprehensive training will enhance students’ technical skills through flexible, hands-on preparation, and offer industry-recognized certifications in Siemens Level 1 and Certified Production Technician (CPT). The result will be the creation of a talent pool for local and regional manufacturing companies.
CPT training premiered in North Carolina by Piedmont Community College in 2011 and is endorsed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.
PCC’s Workforce Certification Academy© (WCA) delivers the Siemens Level I training program that provides instruction in four major components:
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Hydraulics
• Programmable logic controls (PLC)
This training provides skills in mechatronics, robotics, and automated processes that most of the local manufacturing companies are utilizing in their production processes. Included in the training is the opportunity for the students to obtain OSHA-10 certification.
Upon completion of the theoretical and hands-on learning provided in the course by PCC’s internationally certified instructor, students are able to sit for the international Siemens Level I certification exam.
The Golden LEAF Foundation’s AME Grant was awarded with the support of local companies, including SpunTech, Eaton Corporation, US Flue Cured, GKN Driveline, CertainTeed, Dialight, and P&A Fabrication. This support is highly valued by the College and increases the opportunities for customized training and truly preparing employees for the local industry workforce.
About Golden Leaf
Golden LEAF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantsmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.
Established in 1999, the Golden LEAF Foundation administers one half of the tobacco settlement agreement monies back into North Carolina’s rural and economically distressed communities. For almost 20 years, the nonprofit has partnered with state and local governments and other foundations to build economic opportunity across North Carolina through leadership in grantsmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.
About PCC’s Short-Term Advanced Manufacturing Training Opportunities
Through the College’s Continuing Education department, various short-term training opportunities are available to interested individuals. Many courses offer a free orientation course to help the student determine the best program for his/her needs. Such training includes:
• BioWork Process Technician – Train for a career in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing! Combines the basics of manufacturing technology and the fundamentals of science!
• Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) – Earn two national credentials that prepare you for front-line jobs in material handling, manufacturing factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and transportation.
• Certified Production Technician (CPT) – Prepare for national certification in four areas: Safety Awareness, Manufacturing Processes, Quality Practices, and Maintenance Awareness.
• OSHA 10 – Train for recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the workplace.
• OSHA Forklift – Obtain instruction on the operation and maintenance of an industrial forklift.
• Siemens Level I – Learn about the integration of mechanical, electrical, fluid power (hydraulics or pneumatics), and computer technologies to control machine movements. Prepare to take the Siemens Level 1 Certification Exam and become eligible to obtain college credit by examination.
• HVAC – Gain the skills necessary to become employed as an HVAC Technician! Students will interact with operating systems and construction materials for hands-on learning!
In addition, students can earn their North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate (NC CRC) which demonstrates an individual’s skill level to potential employers. This certificate is recognized across state borders and can be earned in one of PCC’s free orientation classes! For additional information (336) 322-2156 or visit www.piedmontcc.edu/ce and select Career Training.
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