On Monday, June 19, a group of teachers from GCPS joined leaders from local advanced manufacturing companies for a “Pipeline to Employment” summit. The purpose of the event was to strengthen collaboration and understanding between local Advanced Manufacturing businesses and our school district.
Advanced Manufacturing is one of the fastest growing sectors of our local economy, and there are an increasing number of well-paying careers available. Most of these require some type of post-secondary education offered through our community college system or specialized industry training. Local Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offer pathways into these areas as well. It was shared that starting salaries for students with specialized credentials or 2-year degrees can start as high as $40 thousand a year, with excellent benefits and lots of opportunities for overtime. Many of these careers can also be extended with additional BS degrees and beyond with higher levels of engineering, IT or biotech sector jobs.
During the event, educators heard from a variety of speakers, including a presentation from Alexis Franks of NC Works, Ms. Judy Woodson-Bruhn, Career Resource Specialist & Labor & Economics Analyst, from the NC Department of Commerce, and Michael McConchie, Certified Business Coach, M&M Consultants. They also had a chance to participate in industry roundtables, where representatives from twelve local companies presented information about their products and workforce needs.
Representatives from the following companies attended:
Altec
SunRock
PRM
Bridgestone Bandag
Delhaize America
Plastic Ingenuity
CertainTeed
Revlon
Stay Online
Gate Precast
NT Techno
Summit Engineering and Design
Dr. Stan Winborne, Director of the Career and Technical Education program explained the importance of the event, “Educators don’t often have an opportunity to hear first hand from local business and industry about their workforce needs. This was a fantastic way to make direct connections between the classroom and the workplace. The teachers who participated now have great information about all of the career opportunities to share with their students. Not many people realize how technically advanced most of these jobs are, and they would be shocked to learn just how much money someone can make with 2 years or less of technical training – no 4-year degree required. It’s amazing the opportunities in our own back yard. I am grateful to the time these business leaders gave to this event. It is evident they are truly invested in the future of our community.”
Several County Commissioners were in attendance, and Chairman Tim Karan and Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart both offered remarks supporting partnerships to help better prepare our young citizens for careers in our local economy. Board Chair Dr. Houlihan was also on hand and praised the efforts to bring our schools and employers together. This event was co-planned by Mr. Harry Mills, Economic Development Director for Granville County, and the Career and Technical Education program of GCPS, under the leadership of Ms. Tamara Rodebaugh, Career Development Coordinator.
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Dr. Stan Winborne
Director of High Schools
Director of Career & Technical Education Program
Public Information Officer
Granville County Schools