Explore Training Programs

According to VEC labor market information, the manufacturing industry accounts for approximately 20% of employment in the region served by Patrick & Henry Community College. Through its work with employers on Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs), P&HCC's division of Workforce, Economic, and Community Development has identified a core set of knowledge, skills, and abilities required across the advanced manufacturing industry sector, including safety, applied mathematics, quality, processes, basic maintenance and machine operation (mechatronics), computer technology, and career intelligence. In addition, employers have identified the need for internship or apprenticeship opportunities to provide hands-on, workplace experiences for students. The career studies certificate presented below provides instruction for these core skills, as well as internship opportunities. In addition to the career studies certificate, students will have an opportunity to earn the Certified Production Technician (CPT) national industry certification from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC). This career studies certificate will allow P&HCC to not only produce an advanced manufacturing workforce with strong general manufacturing skills, but also to quickly add on courses to develop training for specific industries. For example, the proposed career studies certificate stacks fully into the Center for Advanced Film Manufacturing (CAFM) program developed in partnership with Eastman so students completing the advanced manufacturing technician certificate will only need to take two advanced film specific courses to complete the CAFM program. The proposed career studies certificate is also fully stackable to the Associate degree in General Engineering Technologies, becoming another step on the advanced manufacturing/engineering technologies career pathway.

Job Corps’ Welding training program teaches students skills like joining metals using a variety of techniques and processes, understanding and following safety procedures including properly using safety equipment, and identifying and explaining the composition and classification of metals, and designing and building a fixture for assembling simple parts. These skills prepare students for a career working in a variety of jobs for manufacturing companies, construction companies, trade shops, shipbuilders or repair shops. Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Manufacturing Production Technician, Advanced Machinist and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as a part of their career pathway. Students who complete Welding training at Job Corps can earn nationally recognized credentials from the American Welding Society (AWS) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

The Associate in Engineering (AE) degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The degree plan includes required general education and prerequisite courses that are acceptable to all state funded Bachelor of Engineering programs. Students who follow the degree progression plan will meet the entrance requirements at all of the North Carolina public Bachelor of Science Engineering programs. Associate in Engineering graduates may then apply to any of these programs without taking additional and sometimes duplicative courses. Admission to Engineering programs is highly competitive and admission is not guaranteed.To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the AE to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Articulation Agreement, community college graduates must obtain a grade of C or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The Applied Engineering Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students through the study and application of principles from mathematics, natural sciences, and technology and applied processes based on these subjects.Course work includes mathematics, natural sciences, engineering sciences, and technology.Graduates should qualify to obtain occupations such as technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial and technology managers, or research technicians.This course of study prepares the students to use basic engineering principles and technical skills to solve technical problems in various types of industry. The course work emphasizes analytical and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes courses in safety, math, physics, electricity, engineering technology, and technology-specific specialty areas. Graduates should qualify for employment in a wide range of positions in research and development, manufacturing, sales, design, inspection, or maintenance. Employment opportunities exist in automation, computer, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering fields, where graduates will function as engineering technicians.

This course will cover welding safety, oxyfuel cutting, and will introduce students to structual fitter drawings. By the end of the course, students will be able to set up, light, and shut down oxyfuel equipment and be able to perform various oxyfuel cutting procedures.

Additive Manufacturing is a process that uses 3D printing to create physical objects from a digital model. The process involves adding material in layers and using a fusing application, such as a heated printhead or laser, to bind the layers.The ideal candidate for the additive manufacturing program would be someone with basic computer skills, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to visualize working in 3D space.

Industrial Automation technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment used in industrial and automated settings. Topics covered in this certificate include DC circuits, PLC, motor controls, hydraulics and pneumatics, and troubleshooting principles.

This program prepares a student to become certified as an entry-level CADD operator and enter the work force. Coursework includes the creation of 2D and 3D CADD drawings using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other modeling software in support of industry trends and technology advancements.

Job Corps’ Welding training program teaches students skills like joining metals using a variety of techniques and processes, understanding and following safety procedures including properly using safety equipment, and identifying and explaining the composition and classification of metals, and designing and building a fixture for assembling simple parts. These skills prepare students for a career working in a variety of jobs for manufacturing companies, construction companies, trade shops, shipbuilders or repair shops. Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Manufacturing Production Technician, Advanced Machinist and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as a part of their career pathway. Students who complete Welding training at Job Corps can earn nationally recognized credentials from the American Welding Society (AWS) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Learn oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, base metal preparation, shielded metal arc welding and more in this extensive hands-on American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE program.

This is a program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard, inboard, and inboard outboard engines; test, maintain and repair steering devices and electrical systems; repair metal, wood and fiberglass hulls and vessel components.This is a career program designed for students to go directly into the labor market upon completion. Although some of the courses in this program will transfer to four-year institutions, this program is not designed to be a transfer program of study; therefore, it is not subject to the terms and conditions of Alabama Transfers state transfer and articulation reporting system.

The process of welding uses heat to permanently bond objects together. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, building and bridge construction, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. The Welding Department at LBWCC prepares students for a broad background in welding with many diverse employment options. The program includes fundamental processes and skills, with an emphasis on students earning nationally-recognized certifications. Program graduates receive instruction in a variety of welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding, as well as visual inspection and blueprint reading.