Industry-Supported NC Manufacturing Institute Graduates Second Class – Trainees Get Jobs Immediately in Fastest Growing Industry in the Region
Dec 04, 2015
No industry in this area is creating jobs in larger numbers and growing faster than manufacturing. Local manufacturers like Perdue Foods,S&D Coffee,and Agility Fuel Systems have partnered with the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College,the Centralina Workforce Development Board,and chambers of commerce and economic development leaders from Cabarrus and Rowan counties to design and implement the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI), an 8-week intensive training program to prepare individuals with the skill sets through attainment of a Certified Production Technician (CPT) certificate for employment in the high-tech and growing field of manufacturing."
The second class who participated in the eight-week training program recently graduated on October 20,2015 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury." The next day graduates were able to attend a Meet and Greet session with local employers affiliated with the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute." The companies included: Carolina Precision Manufacturing,DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation,S&D Coffee,Perdue Foods,
And Agility Fuel Systems
During the graduation ceremony,Darren Cluster, a recent graduate of the NCMI’s first class came and spoke to the graduates about his experience in the NCMI and where he is today." Cluster landed a job at Perdue foods after his graduation a couple of months ago.
"If I didn’t meet the people and the companies I met through this process or just getting through this eight-week course,I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of you like this three months ago," Cluster said.""
The program’s success speaks for itself. The vast majority of graduates’ secured employment prior to graduation,or within a few short weeks of graduating." The program allows students to be in front of local employers by going on field trips to manufacturing plants or hosting Meet and Greet sessions with the employers."
At the last Meet and Greet event on October 21,the students were able to ask questions as the employers set in the hot seat. Each of the students had their own stations spread across the room. While the employers moved from station to station during the reversed interview process."
"I was really excited about meeting the employers who were interested in us because I never really had that situation before," said Sherry Gobble,recent NCMI graduate. ""Most of the time you apply online and never hear from them again so having the reverse interview was truly exciting."
The second class of graduates included:
Antonio Beatty
Sherry Gobble
Samantha McManus
Deshon Mills
Monique Sharpless
Lisa Solomon
Phil Thomas
Patrick Goodnight
The next eight-week NCMI training program begins in January." Those interested must attend a Discovery (orientation session)." The next Discovery Sessions will be held on:
- Thursday November 12 at 1 p.m.,Rowan-Cabarrus NC Research Campus building,Kannapolis,Room 115
- Wednesday November 18 at 5:30 p.m.,Rowan-Cabarrus NC Research Campus building,Kannapolis,Room 115
For more details on the NCMI or to register,visit www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com." Along with Rowan-Cabarrus CC,the Centralina WDB network of NCWorks Career Centers also serve as a first point of contact for individuals seeking more information on the NC Manufacturing Institute.
