This award provides funding to Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) to support Phase 1A of a multiphase renovation of its 220,000 square feet manufacturing and biotech solutions center. The center will serve as a regional workforce hub that will support the CCCC service area and the expanding labor market beyond it. Phase 1A, which focuses on upgrading 25,000 square feet of the center, will create a training facility for students in the rapidly evolving manufacturing and biotechnology sectors. Key features include advanced laboratories for robotics, welding, industrial maintenance, electronics, and quality/instrumentation, as well as modern classrooms, offices, and an innovation gallery that is designed to enhance career awareness through interactive demonstrations aligned with industry standards. Centralizing advanced manufacturing training at the center will allow CCCC to optimize resources such as advanced equipment, experienced faculty, and dedicated staff. Upon completion of Phase 1A, it is expected that 102 additional students will obtain academic credentials annually (some of which will be tracked through Golden LEAF’s award for the AdvanceNC project). Additionally, 71 workers are projected to earn a combination of academic credentials and third-party certifications through employer training plans each year. Golden LEAF funds will be used for construction/renovation, equipment, and supplies.
