Nash and Wilson Community Colleges will use this Golden LEAF grant to enhance training capabilities within several existing advanced manufacturing programs (electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering, welding, computer integrated machining, manufacturing technology, and industrial systems) to meet employment demand by industry in the areas of pharmaceutical and logistics manufacturing and metal fabrication. Seven companies have submitted support letters indicating intent to hire approximately 680 jobs over a 3 year period and expressed a willingness to interview program completers. The partners will use the funds to purchase equipment, support the salaries of part-time instructors to cover increased course loads, support student certification fees, provide internship stipends, purchase instructional supplies, and assist with instructor travel.
