1 minute read
Gov. Cooper and GTCC’s president announce new program
By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com
“It’s a big deal,” said Guilford Technical Community College President Tony Clarke as he prepared on Jan. 31 to announce a partnership between the school and the North Carolina Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, or NC FAME, program.
Advertisement
“NC FAME, The First in Flight chapter, is going to have a direct and immediate impact on the Triad’s workforce,” said Clarke. “Along with classroom time, students will be on the floor with a local manufacturing company learning valuable skills while getting paid a good salary.
When they successfully complete the program, they will step into a well-paying job or have the option of transferring to a fouryear school.
“At the same time the company is gaining an employee they know is well-trained and skilled. It’s a great investment in our future here in the Triad.”
The work-study program is for two years and debt-free, with the earnings from on-the-job training potentially paying for the course. Graduates earn an associate of science degree. Training will be at the college’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing on West Gate City Boulevard.
The four NC FAME sponsor companies, Jowat Adhesives in Archdale, MasterBrand Cabinets in Lexington, Toyota Battery Mfg. NC, in Liberty, and ZielhAbegg in Greensboro.
“This is a great day for work- ers and businesses in North Carolina,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Community colleges are our notso-secret weapon. Companies all over the world know about the North Carolina community college system, which I think is the best in the country. This is exciting that businesses want to come and partner with community colleges.”
He remarked that so many new jobs are created in the Triad region and he was excited to announce a new way to fill those jobs.
Cooper said to get those new jobs, the workforce needs quality childcare, education and training.
Cooper noted that in the past, people learned a trade by becoming an apprentice to someone who could teach them. That is
