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Advanced Manufacturing Pathway Approved for COA

Edenton, North Carolina — College of The Albemarle (COA) received approval from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to begin a new Career and College Promise-Workforce Continuing Education Pathway in Advanced Manufacturing at the Edenton-Chowan Campus. This pathway offers an opportunity for seniors at John A. Holmes High School to enroll in this short-term training program that will provide entry-level employability skills in a manufacturing environment. While the pathway is specific to the high school students, the program itself will be open for any individual interested in registering.

The program consists of 114 course hours and will be implemented in the spring of 2020. Discussion and planning for the program started over a year ago as industry leaders and community partners in Chowan County looked at an approach to build a pipeline of employees, as well as build awareness of the employment opportunities that exist in the county. Program coursework will focus on blueprint reading, basic electricity, and math/measurement in manufacturing and upon completion, students will gain two certifications: OSHA 10 and Forklift.

“The primary focus of the group that collaborated on this initiative was to meet the needs of our local employers and build the bridge from the high school student to the work place, encouraging students to ‘work local,'” explained Robin Zinsmeister, Dean of Workforce Development, Public Services and Career Readiness; Campus Administrator, Edenton-Chowan Campus. “I am extremely excited for the opportunity this training will provide local students for pathways to employment in their hometown.”

If you’re interested in learning more about COA’s Advanced Manufacturing pathway, please contact Robin Zinsmeister at 252-335-0821 ext. 2362.