Prestage Farms is the latest company to invest in the customized training offered at Sampson Community College. As a dedication to meeting the needs of the local business and industry sector, the Continuing Education Division at SCC implemented this vital program. Kate Brown, director of customized training at SCC, says that Prestage was a perfect fit for the program. “Prestage is a home grown industry of folks that are dedicated and diligent about providing training for their employees that will make them more viable. We’re glad they decided it would be advantageous to further their training needs with the college.”

Six Prestage Farms employees, including Mark Pate, Randall Miller, Anthony Bryant, Jeffrey Beaman, William Crumpler and Jim Carr recently completed the 30-hour OSHA General Industry Course. According to Brown, the additional schooling will allow these employees to further the implementation of safety and compliance efforts for the company. “At Sampson, we’re always invested in promoting the local business and industry, because they are truly the backbone of this community. If they can take back what they learn and implement it, we’ve done our jobs,” Brown said.

This advantageous move on the part of local business and industry is more important than ever, according to Brown. “We’re seeing a real need in this economy for skilled workers that will put safety as the company’s priority. When you’re talking safety, you’re really talking dollars and cents.”

Keith Patterson, lead instructor for the Southeastern Region of the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, couldn’t agree more.

Patterson, who administered the training for the Prestage employees, says in today’s cutbacks, safety is usually the first to go. However, he says, companies simply can’t afford this setback. “We want companies to understand the importance of this integral training and how it is possible to put training and safety first while saving money even in today’s budget.”

Whether local business and industry is looking to provide occupational extension courses or upgrade skills or train current employees, SCC, Brown said, is committed to playing an active role in the continuing education of the citizens of Sampson and surrounding counties. For more information about Customized Training, contact Kate Brown at (910) 592-7176.