VGCC Advanced Manufacturing Day brings together students, industry

Vance-Granville Community College held an “Advanced Manufacturing Day” event on Friday, Oct. 2, in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. At least 350 middle and high school students from Franklin, Vance and Warren counties, along with other members of the community, attended. They learned about how manufacturing has changed, local career possibilities in the field and options for education and training. The event was one of many Manufacturing Day celebrations held across the country that day.

Regional manufacturers on hand included Novozymes of Franklinton, Pacific Coast Feather Company of Henderson, Ideal Fastener Corporation of Oxford, Robling Medical of Youngsville, TFS of Youngsville, Superior Tooling of Wake Forest and Glen Raven of Norlina.

VGCC technical programs were also represented. These include curriculum programs that make up the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center — Electrical Systems Technology , Electronics Engineering Technology , Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Welding Technology — as well as the Customized Training/Industry Services , Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology , Automotive Systems Technology , Carpentry and Bioprocess Technology programs.

There was also a representative of the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program, which partners with colleges like VGCC and employers to prepare a skilled workforce.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program at VGCC organized Advanced Manufacturing Day 2015. With the help of the $1.75 million grant, the largest single competitive grant in VGCC history, the college is developing and enhancing innovative training programs for advanced manufacturing careers. The TAACCCT grants are part of a nearly $2 billion initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers, especially those impacted by foreign trade. For more information on TAACCCT, call (252) 738-3342.

Above: From left, Novozymes fermentation supervisor Jared Wrenn, Novozymes lean engineer Troy Bowen, VGCC Bioprocess Technology student Adair Avila Soria of Louisburg and Bioprocess Technology program head/instructor Dr. Tara Hamilton talk during Advanced Manufacturing Day. (VGCC photo)

Related Content: Photos from Advanced Manufacturing Day on Flickr