This award provides funding to support the launch of a regional Diesel and Heavy Equipment program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI). CCC&TI will offer the program at its main campus and through a mobile learning lab that allows the college to reach high school students and to partner with other community colleges across the nine-county region. The mobile component will eliminate the need to duplicate a high-cost program in the region. This new program will be the only diesel technology program serving Caldwell, Watauga, Burke, Catawba, and Alexander counties. Curriculum and continuing education courses will align with training requirements and certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). CCC&TI expects to train approximately 100 students over the next 2 years. North Carolina employment for bus, truck, and diesel technicians is projected to grow 9% by 2026, with 155 current openings in the region. Golden LEAF funds will be used for classroom and lab renovations and equipment including four sets of hand tools, major shop equipment, a truck and used trailer, and trainers and cutaways.
