Individual questions from the video interview with Ms. Tipton
Terrie M. Kelly, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrichment Services, Tri-County Community College
Q. What kind of feedback have you gotten about the Advanced Machining Program from both students and employers?
A. Students and employers have evaluated the program very positively. At first, we trained manufacturing employees and then we developed courses for unemployed or underemployed people in our community. Our students are getting younger, which is a good sign that we have a high quality program that leads to good paying jobs.
Q. What role has this program played in the community, economically?
A. This program has allowed several local manufacturers that needed skilled workers to take on new product lines and grow more jobs. Some manufacturers received outsourcing contracts from end product producers or sister plants solely because the training program was in place.
Hiring locally trained workers has helped families stay together and young people have been able to find work and do not have to move away. The training programs give students and workers the transferable skills needed in the changing economy.
Job creation in the larger machined product cluster has had a significantly positive effect on the local economy. These jobs are much better than average paying and come with benefits. This job creation has had a multiplier effect, adding to the tax base and creating more demand for local businesses. We now have a small business that was created to manufacture outsourced machined parts from local and national companies.
Q. How many students are currently enrolled in the program? How many alumni have graduated from it?
A. Currently there are 37 students in the program and 316 graduates.
Q. What kind of skills do students in the program gain?
A. Students gain skills in using highly technical machines and manufacturing processes including computer numerical control, precision measurement, blueprint reading, and many other skills necessary in machining. The Cherokee County Center for Applied Technology houses several state-of-the-art CNC machines that were purchased with grant funds or donated by local manufacturers.
Q. How is this program unique in the area and in the state?
A. Community colleges in North Carolina have not had sufficient equipment funding necessary to purchase training machines capable of helping students become job ready. Our college had a machining program but discontinued it in 2000, mainly because we could not afford to upgrade our equipment. Thanks to our local, state, and federal funders we have been able to create locally inspired training programs and training facilities and equipment. We are not the only community college that has quickly geared up to address the need for skilled workers, but we think that we are unique in the way we have partnered with so many entities to ensure success.
Watch the NC Now Feature
An interview with Ms. Tipton