Community College Launches New Industrial Maintenance Certification Program to Address Identified Employer Needs
Blue Ridge Community College will offer an Industrial Maintenance Certification Program in the spring of 2016 at the Transylvania County Campus. The new program provides hands-on lab training and teaches skills in electrical engineering, programmable logic controllers (PLCS), machining and welding. The certification process will help address workforce gaps identified during the recent Transylvania Economic Alliance business survey and 1-on-1 industry discussions. Upon completion of the expedited 6 month program individuals will have the education and skills necessary to pursue a career in industrial maintenance.
Applicants interested in the new Industrial Maintenance Certification Program should attend one of the upcoming information sessions scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2015 at 10 am or Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 6pm in the Strauss Building on the Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average weekly wage for a job in the manufacturing sector in Transylvania County is currently $715 versus $578 for all other private sectors employment. The manufacturing sector also has a significant impact on the local economy. On average, for every 1 manufacturing job, 2.5 jobs are created through the circulation of new dollars to the community through the purchase of local goods and services.
