Johnston Community College Awarded $150,000 in Grant Funds to Expand Manufacturing Programs
Published: Wednesday, September 9, 2024JCC Receives Planning Grant to Expand Job Training Programs in HVAC and Advanced Manufacturing
Smithfield, NC – August 27, 2024 – Johnston Community College (JCC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $150,000 ITAC planning grant by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC).
This grant will allow JCC to expand its job training programs in HVAC and advanced manufacturing, including welding and machining, while strengthening ties with local employers and manufacturers in the region. The initiative will also utilize existing dual enrollment programs and recruitment partnerships with NCWorks to engage students who face barriers to employment.
One of the key elements of the grant is the development of a strategic partnership with the UNC Charlotte Industrial Assessment and Training Center (ITAC). Through this collaboration, JCC will explore opportunities to offer technical assistance to local manufacturers, helping them to reduce energy waste, improve productivity, and promote sustainable growth in the region.
The $150,000 grant is part of a broader $24 million initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy to support clean energy and manufacturing workforce training programs across the country. By partnering with the DOE, JCC will help small and medium-sized manufacturers reduce their energy consumption, lower costs, and increase productivity through cutting-edge training programs.
“This ITAC planning grant is a tremendous opportunity for Johnston Community College to bolster our workforce training programs and help more students pursue rewarding careers in manufacturing and HVAC,” says JCC President Vern Lindquist.
In addition, a partnership with the I-95 / I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, will allow JCC to operate a new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Four Oaks. The $35 million, 67,000 square foot facility will be home to JCC’s Welding, Machining, and Applied Engineering programs.